DO make sure your Antivirus definitions are up-to-date. For any AntiVirus to be effective, definitions need to be current. Run Liveupdate on a regular basis and scan your hard driveweekly for extra security. ITCS provides Symantec AntiVirus software free-of-charge to all ECU faculty, staff and students.
DO always think twice before installing any new software or program, especially add-ons like special toolbars or screensavers. Take time to read those lengthy license agreements you have to accept to install something new; the agreement may tell you that spyware willinstalled along with the software or program. Always read it before you click it!
DO keep all software CDs that came with your computer and others that you purchase. If your had drive ever crashes, you will need those CDs to reinstall your 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 w/Service Pack 2 Enable from Windows Firewall Control Panel
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 burn them to CD regularly in the event your hard drive 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 up your computer to a number of virus and malware threats. 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 by enabling 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.
DON'T give out your password. Use good judgment and keep your password safe so that you can protect the documents and information on your computer. Be cautious as to who you allow to use your computer!
DON'T be too hasty to open e-mall attachments from senders, especially when e-mail comes from someone you don't know. Viruses sometimes arrive using the e-mail address of someone you may know. Scan the attached file with Antivirus software before opening it.
DON'T forget to turn off your computer when you're not using it. Your computer will become vulnerable to hackers if you leave it on all the time or remain logged in.
