Protect Your Computer
Bulletins
and Alerts
Critical
OS Updates
Antivirus Software
Help Desk
Faculty Liaisons
|
Computer security attacks can
come in many forms and result in lost data,
corrupted data, computer failures, bizarre
computer behavior, or even stolen personal
information (passwords,
PIN numbers, bank account data, etc.).
No one can
prevent all computer security attacks. However,
you can minimize these threats by taking the precautions listed below.
Follow all steps below on
every computer you own or maintain.
-
Heed
all bulletins from ACC. We work hard to provide information when needed. It is up to you to follow our instructions. ACC bulletins always reference a secure web page on Haverford’s web site with information related to that bulletin.
-
Apply
all critical updates needed for your
operating system. If your
computer is properly
configured, these
are available
automatically.
-
Install Haverford's antivirus software. Haverford licenses and distributes a customized installer for the antivirus product McAfee VirusScan.
-
Apply critical updates to Microsoft Office and other software as needed. Watch for update messages from your software packages, and also from ACC bulletins.
-
Be wary of
email bulletins from sources other than
ACC. Many emails that describe threats to your computer are hoaxes. Tech tips from friends and relatives might not be applicable on our network. Again, any bulletin that ACC sends will reference a secure page on Haverford’s web site.
-
Be wary of so-called “phishing” attempts. In a phishing attack, somebody pretending to be a trustworthy source tries to trick you into revealing sensitive information like email passwords or bank account information. Reputable sources, including ACC, should never ask you to send sensitive information by email. Email is not secure, and you should never use it to transmit such information.
-
Do not open attachments or click on web links in messages unless you are expecting them. Potential hazards are often distributed through email or other communication tools, such as AOL's Instant Messenger. The named sender is rarely aware that such messages have been sent; in fact, the sender’s address on potentially hazardous messages is often forged. If you are suspicious of a message, check with the sender first.
-
Do not extend the college network through your own wireless access points, switches or routers. Wireless transmitters jeopardize the security of the entire campus network.
-
Save frequently while working on
your computer and keep backups of all valuable
document files, emails,
and
bookmarks. If you need help creating backups, contact the Computing Help Desk.
More Information
You can get additional software and information
to help you secure your systems from the following
sites:
US-CERT
Established in 2003 to protect the nation's Internet infrastructure, US-CERT coordinates defense against and responses to cyber attacks across the nation. CERT publishes reliable, current information about known computer threats.
http://www.us-cert.gov/
Microsoft Security Home Page
Definitive information about Microsoft security
alerts on Microsoft's Web Site. http://www.microsoft.com/security/
Virus Hoaxes
Check these sources to see
if emails detailing viruses are legit!
Spyware detection and Removal
Without your knowledge, there is a good
chance you downloaded "spyware" (software
that tracks who you are or where you go)
or "adware" (invokes pop-up boxes
which try to get you to buy stuff). These
packages will help you detect and remove
this unwanted software.
Contact
the Computing Help Desk (students, faculty
and staff) or your computing
liaison (faculty and staff)
if you have any
questions
about securing a
computer, or if you notice any strange or
suspicious behavior on your system. |
