Quick Tips on Information Security Best Practices

Information security is everyone's responsibility.  If we all do our part, we may be able to lessen the risks to campus data and computing resources.  Below are seven practices you can follow to better protect yourself and the University.

1. Protect your password
   Do not share your password or post it anywhere. Do not use dictionary words or family or department names. Change your passwords often.

2. Protect confidential information
   By law, most student information is confidential. To be safe, be cautious with any private data and store as little confidential information on your computer or in unlocked areas as possible.

3. Update system patches, security fixes, and anti-virus software
   Make sure home and office Windows machines have the latest patches and security fixes and update anti-virus software. Set your computers to have updates downloaded automatically.

4. Use secure and supported applications
   Insecure applications such as Hot Bar and Kazaa can cause trouble for your computer and leave the university open to network attack.

5. Don't open suspicious e-mail attachments
   Many viruses and worms are spread through e-mail files. 

6. Back up your data
   Protect your important information by making sure your data is backed up regularly, either remotely, or by doing it yourself.

7. Use a password protected screen saver to "lock" your computer when unattended, and turn off your computer at night (unless it is backed up at night and must be left on)
   Turning off your computer will save energy and will protect it from outside network attack.