Top 10 tips
1. Never leave your computer logged on unattended. You are responsible for any activity performed using your Â鶹¹ÙÍøD Logon or other user ID.
2. Create an "uncrackable/unguessable" password. Check the standards for the Â鶹¹ÙÍøD Logon.
3. Don't give your password to anyone for any reason. Don't
- log on with your password and then let someone else use your access
- type your password when someone is watching
- write down your password, include it in automated scripts, or store it on your hard drive or PDA
- ask the system to remember your password
4. Maintain the confidentiality of all data, keeping in mind the privacy of all individuals. Check data security for Â鶹¹ÙÍøD employees
5. Never send confidential or personal information through the network or via email, chat, instant messaging, text, or VoIP (voice over Internet protocol: Internet voice communications). This includes:
- passwords
- credit card and account information
- social security number
- driver's license number
6. Install and routinely run anti-virus software. Update your anti-virus software regularly to ensure new virus signatures will be detected.
7. Update your operating system on a regular basis with the latest security patches, updates, and drivers. Â鶹¹ÙÍøD installs Sophos for all university-owned systems. Employees and students can install Sophos for personally owned computers.
8. Never make or use illegal duplicates/copies of software, music, videos, etc.
9. Dispose of personal or confidential information in a secure manner: shred, wipe, incinerate.
10. Back up your data and applications properly. Store backups in a location away from the original source of the data (e.g., hard drive)
11. Protect your computer:
- use surge protectors
- do not drink or eat near it
--Adapted from http://www.massachusetts.edu/SecurityAwareness/12basicrules.html