Information Security
Protect Your Office and Home Computer Operating System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are recommendations to help ensure a safe computing environment and should be followed by all individuals that access the college’s network.

1.     General Recommendation

Turn your system off when it is not in use. Your machine will be less of a target for break-in attempts, and less valuable as a 'robot' machine in a cracker's collection of compromised hosts.

2.     Use the MS Update Service Regularly

Microsoft Windows Update service will scan a computer and provide the user with a selection of updates tailored just for their environment. This service is located on the start button of your computer and is available for the W2K, XP, Win98 and WinME operating systems. It is recommended that you upgrade to a current operating system to be able to take advantage of current services and current security patches. Mac users should run Software Updater on a regular basis.

3.     Use a Firewall, either hardware or software

Currently, there are numerous software and hardware firewall products on the market; both are usually easy to deploy. Hardware firewalls are useful if more than one computer is on the home network. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions for configuration. Use of a properly configured firewall is highly recommended. Know what your home system is talking to and why.

4.     Backup Important Files

Consider purchasing a thumb drive, a zip drive or CD burner. Back up important data files regularly and archive more than one copy.

5.     Set a Password on your Administrator Account

Follow the guidelines for passwords including the Administrator password on your home system. These guidelines can be found at http://www.abac.edu/oits/security/passwords.htm and should be used for all accounts on your home computer.

6.     Disable File and Print sharing

Having file and print sharing enabled on your home computer makes your system vulnerable to intruders. Often your Internet Service Provider recommends disabling file & print sharing.

To Disable File and Print Sharing:
Win95/98/ME

1.      Open Control Panel --> Network.

2.      Disable File and Print Sharing:

§         Click on File and Print Sharing.

§         UN-check the two options for files and printer(s).

§         Click OK twice to close the Network windows.

3.      Restart your computer if prompted to do so.

4.      Close Control Panel.

Win2000/XP

5.      Open Control Panel --> Network Connections

6.      Double click on your connection and then click the properties button.

§         For a LAN connection make sure the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not selected.

§         For a dial up connection, click the Networking tab and then make sure File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks is not selected.

7.      Close Control Panel  

                                                                                                  

7.     Antivirus Software

Ensure that your anti-virus program is up to date.  For McAfee, hover over the V-Shield (lower-right corner of window) to view the date of the last update.  For home computer users, be sure that you are using an anti-virus program and that it is regularly updated.    

8.     Sensitive Data

To ensure that you do not run the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining access to sensitive college information on your home computer, do not download institutional confidential or proprietary information onto your home computer.

9.     E-mail

Do not open suspicious e-mails or e-mail for which you do not recognize the sender. Delete e-mail messages with attachments without opening them if received from an unfamiliar source. Even e-mails arriving with attachments from familiar sources may have been sent from infected systems, so always e-mail the sender for confirmation before opening the attachment.

Turn off previewing of email messages. 

10. Software

Update your browser regularly to the latest version and limit the use of browser plugins.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) software (i.e. Kazaa, eDonkey, etc) should not be installed on corporate computing assets. ITS strongly recommends you do not install Peer-to-Peer software on your home computer. The craze in Peer-to-Peer software may bring more to your system than the latest video. Many P2P programs install Trojans or backdoors onto systems they are installed on. Besides the obvious copyright violations that can occur with audio/video sharing, you may be sharing personal information such as your e-mail password or bank account PIN number.

Use ssh as a secure protocol versus ftp or telnet.

Install Spyware removal tools such as Spybot and Ad-Aware (home PC use only). (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/)

Conclusion

Follow these instructions to reduce the risk of compromising your computer, the campus or your home computer.