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The following information and links are intended to provide resources and tools to help you keep your computer secure and operating properly. To get the most from this information begin at the top and ensure you are following the recommendations in each point.
Keep your operating system and applications current.
Make sure to set automatic updates for your operating system.
- Setting up automatic updates on Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP
- Setting up automatic updates on Mac OS X
Windows users can also use Secunia's Personal Software Inspector to keep all software programs current. Mac users can keep non-Apple applications up to date with AppFresh.
Use updated anti-virus software to protect your computer from viruses and other malware.
- For individual-owned Microsoft Windows computers, use Microsoft Security Essentials.
- For university-owned Microsoft Windows computers, use Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection 2010
- For individual-owned Mac OS X computers, use Sophos.
Use an anti-malware program to remove spyware, adware and other non-virus malware files not covered by your antivirus package.
You may use more than one anti-malware package, which will increase the chances of finding any malware in your system. The following anti-malware packages will help keep your Windows computer secure.
Beware of phishing scams.
These include emails or text messages that appear to come from trusted sources and ask you to click a link or go to a site and log in for any type of verification.
Do not open emails or attachments, download files, or follow Web links from unknown sources.
Use complex passwords that are hard to guess.
For tips on creating a secure password, see: Creating Strong Passwords or Microsoft Tips for Creating a Strong Password.
Avoid sites that offer free music, videos, or other copyright-protected material.
The media available on these file-sharing sites is often provided by other users, and can transmit viruses or other malware. File sharing can be a violation of the law as well as University policy. For complete details, visit the ISU File Sharing and Copyrighted Materials policy page.
To avoid loss of important information, back up research files, class work and other important information regularly to a separate storage device.
To back up data, visit the website of the operating system your computer is running if not listed below. ITS also offers Computer Data Recovery to students, faculty, and staff.
Use a firewall to filter out unauthorized traffic from the Internet.
For more information, visit Microsoft Windows Firewall or Mac OS X Firewall.
