eCommunicator for Faculty & Staff

Security Awareness: Stay Secure … All Summer Long

June 2006

The "lazy days of summer" prompt us to make vacation plans, but remember that cyber criminals never take a break. Follow these summer security essentials to keep your computer and your information secure when you are away from campus.

Keep Your Passwords Secure
Internet cafés around the world make it possible to check your e-mail and get on the NU Network. But when you use these computers, remember that password secrecy is essential. Do not save any of your passwords on Web browsers, and reject the prompts to save your login information to sites of any kind, especially when you access the NU Network.

Be sure to completely close and quit a browser when you're done. Also, consider that a machine in an Internet café may have spyware or key logging software installed, so avoid accessing banking accounts or other sensitive sites. Changing your password more frequently can also provide an enhanced level of protection.

Stay Virus-Free From Off Campus
When you first downloaded antivirus software to your University computer, you may have opted to get your LiveUpdates from on-campus servers. When you're away for the summer, you may not regularly access the NU Network to get the required LiveUpdates.

Continuing to access the Web without the updates places your computer at risk of infection from literally hundreds of viruses and other types of malware. You can easily minimize your risk by making sure your computer gets off-campus antivirus updates. All it takes is a quick download of Symantec/Norton AntiVirus. Find the LiveUpdate Switch Tool on the Symantec Reference Page on the NUIT Web site.

Make a Backup
Before you take your computer on your summer travels, prepare for the unexpected. A theft or computer accident can quickly rob you of important computer files and data. Make it a practice to back up your information to an external hard drive, server space, Web-based storage, CDs, DVDs, or flash drive, and keep the backups separate and away from your PC.

If you absolutely must travel with data that is considered sensitive, consider using some form of encryption. Some USB "thumb" drives store in excess of 1 gigabyte of data and include built-in encryption methodologies.

These simple steps can easily protect you from unexpected and potentially embarrassing computer data losses.

Stay Secure with Software Updates
If you travel with your laptop this summer, it can be convenient to ignore software update reminders, but it can also be dangerous. Your computer is vulnerable to attack if you put off installing patches and updates.

If you haven't already set your updates to run automatically, instructions can be found on the NUIT Web site to keep you both safe and free of reminders.

All of these tips require your attention and diligence to keep your computer and your personal data secure. As always, You Are the Key to Information Security. Have a safe, secure and memorable summer!

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