Security Awareness Tip of the Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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It's true, the most common security incident at Northwestern involves users ignoring prompted updates, specifically targeting operating systems and software. Everyone on campus should be using automatic updates.

Visit Secure Settings, one of NUIT's five steps to Get Control, for more on hassle-free security and how to automate your updates.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and NUIT wants to help protect your personal, private information to reduce your risk of security incidents, large and small.

Drop in to the upcoming NUIT Tech Talk: Online Privacy and Security for more information on how to become more cyber-secure. Topics for this NUIT Tech Talk include how to:

• Empower yourself to stay ahead of cybercriminals
• Deliver private/sensitive data the safe way
• React to and prevent identity theft
• Reduce risks for the University and yourself

Register for this NUIT Tech Talk.

Learn More

Viruses, spyware, adware, and other malware threaten all computers — regardless of type, age, or system. Because it takes just minutes for an unprotected computer connected to the Internet to be infected, the best defense is to install and run protective programs regularly.

Stay Virus-Free

Viruses are an extensive threat to computer security, spreading quickly via e-mail, IM, and downloads. Viruses can also be undetectable, replicating and spreading without your knowledge, so use an antivirus program and scan your computer at least once a week. Antivirus software should be updated regularly to counter the latest threats. NUIT provides Symantec antivirus products and the LiveUpdate service free for download to the NU community.

Sweep for Spyware

Spyware programs steal your personal information — credit card number, social security number, name and addresss, and password. They can also leech power away from your computer's vital functions, slowing processing speed. Protect yourself and use an antispyware program to scan your computer at least once a week to remove spyware. NUIT recommends Spybot - Search and Destroy, available free for download.

Stop Adware

Adware tracks the Web sites you visit and sells the information it gathers to advertisers. It also displays annoying advertisements on your computer. Use adware detection software to remove these annoyances. Lavasoft Ad-Aware can be downloaded for free on personal, non-university computers. Some adware programs can run without your knowledge, so make sure to sweep your system regularly.

Activate Your Firewall

A firewall shields your computer from unauthorized connections, preventing attacks by hackers or malware. Without one, your computer and personal information are vulnerable. Most computers come with a firewall already installed, but check to ensure it is set up and working correctly.