Stay Connected This Summer
If you plan to take an extended vacation this summer or if you're a faculty member who doesn't teach summer courses, make sure you're set to stay connected to the Northwestern Network. Do you have the basics—e-mail, antivirus updates, backups, and computer security—covered?
Automate Maintenance
Summer breaks always seem like a convenient time to ignore software update reminders on your computer, but your machine is vulnerable to attack if you choose to dismiss update reminders. To counteract vulnerabilities, set your updates to run automatically. For PCs, go to My Computer / Properties / Automatic Updates; for Mac OS X, go to Apple / System Preferences / Software Update.
Viruses Don't Vacation
If you are using the University-provided antivirus software, Symantec, do you know how to run updates from off campus? Your computer may currently access updates from campus servers, but while away from campus, it could be vulnerable to viruses. Get Symantec/Norton LiveUpdate from off campus by using the switch tool.
Additionally, remember to configure your computer for a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. While connecting to the Northwestern Network might be important, it's more important that you keep a secure connection—especially when working with sensitive data. And even though you can access WebMail without connecting through VPN, it's always a good idea to use VPN for a much more secure connection.
What About E-mail?
If you choose to forward your mail to another account over the summer, make sure you are forwarding to a safe and secure account.
Backup Your Data
It's also a good practice to perform regular backups on your data, not just when summer time rolls around. Web-based storage companies like Iron Mountain will even automate your backups, and it's good to know that all Northwestern faculty and staff have access to special, discounted Iron Mountain rates. Speak with your local technical support representative to discuss your available options and what will work best for your needs.
Stay Secure
Protecting the Northwestern Network is often the last thing to think about when leaving campus. Have you cleared all of your personally identifiable information from your computer recently? When was the last time you cleared your cookies?
Review the NUIT Get Secure brochure for security guidelines to prevent any possible security incidents before heading away. Remember, threats to your computer, personal information, and to the Northwestern Network don't take a summer vacation.
Contact the NUIT Support Center
As a reminder, the NUIT Support Center is available for you throughout the summer. Summer hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click the "Online Live Support" image on the NUIT Home Page for live chat support, send a message, or call the NUIT Support Center (1-HELP) if you have any questions while away for break.
For more information, contact your local technical support specialist or the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357) or consultant@northwestern.edu.
