Technology Services - software - security steps

Steps you can take to keep your personal information and your computer secure

Here are some steps you can take to keep your personal information and your computer secure:

Install Anti-Virus Software
Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Updated
Use an Internet Firewall
Keep Your Operating System Updated
Scan Your Computer Periodically For Spyware
Use strong passwords

Step 1: Install Anti-Virus software:

Tulane University provides free anti-virus software to faculty, staff and students. Log on to e-Academy to download McAfee anti-virus software. (Tulane e-mail user name and password required) Or, if you prefer to have the software on CD, visit one of the licensed software offices or contact software@tulane.edu.

Step 2: Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Up to Date:

You can either configure your anti-virus software to automatically update or you can manually update your anti-virus software when an update is released. If you decide to manually update your anti-virus software, you can select update now using the VirusScan icon in the Windows system tray. The Tulane University Help Desk is also available to assist, call (504) 862-8888 (from off campus), x8888 (if on the uptown campus) or 8-8888 (if located downtown).

Step 3: Use an Internet Firewall

An Internet Firewall is a piece of software or hardware that helps protect your PC against hackers and many computer viruses and worms. Using a firewall is an important line of defense for computer security.

McAfee Desktop Firewall -- Available to Faculty and Staff for installation on University owned computers only. Complete the Software Request Form for permission to download and install McAfee Desktop Firewall.

Firewall options for Tulane University Faculty, Staff and Student personal computers

Windows XP home, professional and media center users: you already have a built-in Internet firewall and you can enable it by following the instructions at Microsoft's site

If you are using an older version of Windows (95,98, ME, NT, 2000 professional), you can visit this Microsoft site for other alternatives.

Mac OS X users: you can enable your built-in personal firewall. Read instructions at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=151615

Step 4: Keep Your Operating System Updated

Operating systems are not static. When software developers release an operating system to the market place, they do not expect it to be fully, permanently, invincible. Things happen, bugs are found, holes are discovered, etc.. The end user is expected to be aware of this and be diligent about updating their software. With the ease of installation, there is little to no reason not to seek out and install operating system updates. Technology Services has two recommendations: (1) You are strongly encouraged to apply updates to your current operating system (2) upgrade your operating to a minimum of Windows 2000 professional or to a minimum of Mac OS 9.

Windows Users:

Windows XP SP2 CD's are available for free to the Tulane University community. Stop by the Licensed Software Office to obtain your copy. Limited quantities are available.

From within Internet Explorer; select Tools from the menu and then select Windows Update

Microsoft Windows update site
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

If you have a slow internet connection (modem), you may obtain a copy of the Windows Security Update CD from the licensed software office. This CD has has all Windows patches released up to February 2004.

Apple Mac OS Users:

Apple's software downloads page
http://www.info.apple.com/

Mac OS X: How to update your software http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106704

Step 5: Scan Your Computer Periodically For Spyware

"Spyware apps sneak onto your machine when you download many file-sharing services, open infected e-mails, or click on dubious Internet pop-up ads. They can manipulate your system, record your habits, and steal your passwords and credit card numbers. Depending on their degree of aggressiveness, they can steal your privacy or even your identity." PC Magazine's Spy Stoppers.

Tulane University recommends that you periodically scan your computers for Spyware. You have to update the spyware definition files before scanning your system for spyware. Software that you can use is listed below:

Tulane University has licensed Lavasoft's Ad-Aware SE Professional for use by Faculty, Staff and Students. To obtain your free copy and the license key apply for the appropriate computer security suite.

Step 6: Use Strong Passwords:

Passwords should not be first or last names, dictionary words, your own account name, or easily recognizable combinations. Your password should be at least 7 characters long. You should change the password every 45 days. Some suggestions for passwords include replacing two letters in a word with special characters (!@#$%^&*(),./;) or numbers, or joining two short words of mixed case with a special character in between.

For example, "bLue;skY", ".st0ve.", "dAY2nit", "7burds", or "BeeRcAn" are reasonably secure passwords.

Examples of weak passwords include: "william" (first name), "cradle" (dictionary word), "may92" (month/year), "maryw" (userid), "wyram" (userid backwards), "smith" (last name), " georgia" (proper noun), kitchen1 (word with number), or redcar (concatenated words).

Additional information is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/ password.mspx

Important Links:

Software that's in the Tulane Computer Security Suite

Several ways you can get the Computer Security Suite

Other Links

Interesting Articles:

If you require help or need additional information, please contact the Tulane University Help Desk at (504) 862-8888.