DO make sure antivirus definitions are up-to-date
For antivirus software to be effective, virus definitions need to be current. Schedule a weekly Live Update and full virus scan of your system, and enable the "File System Auto Protect" feature to scan all documents as you open them. ITCS provides Symantec AntiVirus software free-of-charge to all ECU faculty, staff and students.
DO think twice before installing new software, especially add-ons
Take the time to read any license agreement to make sure spyware will not be installed with the software or program. This is especially true of free screensavers and special toolbars, which may infect your system with Trojan Horse malware or adware.
DO keep any installation CDs for new software or computers
If your hard drive ever crashes, you will need those CDs to reinstall the software.
DO install a firewall on home computers
A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer by blocking outside access of unused services and notifying you when suspicious activity is detected.
Windows XP (at least Service Pack 2): Start >> Control Panel >> Windows Firewall
Mac OS X: System Preferences >> Sharing >> Firewall
DO back up your data on a regular basis
Save copies of important files on your Piratedrive or Skydrive folder, burn them to CD or copy to a flash drive in the event your hard drive crashes, gets damaged or a virus requires you to reformat your computer.
DO consider using one of the many malware and adware detection and removal programs available on the Web
These help remove the pop-up ads and Internet tracking programs used by marketers. Reliable applications such as "Spybot-Search & Destroy" and "Ad-Aware" are free and can be found at www.download.com.
DON'T become a victim of identity theft and fraud
Use strong passwords for all of your accounts. When submitting information online, look for the 'lock" icon on the browser's status bar (usually in the lower righthand corner) to be sure your information is secure during transmission. Visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ for more tips on fighting identity theft.
DON'T use file sharing applications like KaZaA, LimeWire or BearShare
File sharing programs open your computer to a number of virus and malware threats. Also, use of peer-to-peer file sharing programs is a violation of university policy if it is used to share copyrighted materials illegally.
DON'T leave your computer unattended without logging off or locking your screen
Or enable the password feature on your screen saver (CTRL + ALT + DELETE). You are responsible for any access to the ECU network from your computer.
DON'T store sensitive Information - Social Security numbers, banking account numbers, etc. - on your computer, especially without encrypting it.
Encryption is a method of scrambling data so that only someone who possesses the appropriate password, or "key," can access the information. WinZip software (www.winzip.com) allows you to encrypt data. Certain operating systems can also encrypt data.
DON'T give out your password
Keep your password safe so that you can protect the documents and information on your computer. Be cautious as to who uses your computer!
DON'T be too hasty to open e-mail attachments from senders
Viruses sometimes arrive using the e-mail address of someone you may know, but be especially wary if e-mail comes from someone you don't know.
DON'T forget to turn off your computer when you finish using it
Your computer is vulnerable to hackers if you leave it on all the time or remain logged in.
