Computer Security Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

1)    Shut down your computers and laptops when you are not using more than 3 hours and when you are leaving office.

2)    Lock your computers when not in use.

3)    Daily check your Computer and Laptops for Antivirus updation for current date.

4)    Daly check your Backup status.

5)    Create strong passwords that are at least eight characters long, and including at least a numerical value and a symbol, such as #, to foil password-cracking software. Avoid common words, and never disclose a password online.

6)     Change your password every ninety days.

7)    Perform regular backups of important data.

8)     Create a password for your files in order to protect file sharing activities.

9)    Physically secure your laptop.

10)  Delete any message that refers to groups or organizations that you are not a part of.

11) Never click on a link from an untrusted source.

12) Be certain that when you leave the cyber café computer you have deleted everything you saved to the desktop. make sure you permanently delete all personal files from the cyber café computer.

13)   Make sure that you log out of every site you've logged in to. This can include web browsers, instant messaging clients and ftp sites.

14)   Many browsers will offer to store your user name and password when you log in, be sure not to allow it.

15)  Close windows containing pop-up ads or unexpected warnings by clicking on the “X” button in the upper most right hand corner of that window, not by clicking within the window.

DON’TS

1)    Plug in your personal devises like Smart phones, USB devises, MP3 Players to computers and laptops. 2)    Never write down your password. Especially on a Post-It note stuck to your computer! 3)    Never give out your password to anyone, whether you know them or not. 4)    Never select the "Remember My Password" option. Many applications do not store them securely. 5)    Never purchase anything promoted in a spam message. Even if the offer isn’t a scam, you are only helping to finance and encourage spam. 6)    Please refrain from opening an e-mail attachment, even from someone you know well, unless you were expecting it. 7)     Avoid creating common passwords such as your name, social security, UNI, etcetera. 8)     Do not leave your laptop unattended, even for a few minutes. 9)    Never reply to e-mail(s) requesting financial or personal information. 10)  Avoid opening e-mail(s) or e-mail attachments from an unknown sender. 11)  Under no circumstances should you install or use pirated copies of software. 12)  Do not install P2P file sharing programs which can illegally download copyrighted material. 13)  Never set your e-mail program to "auto-open" attachments. 14)   Do not leave sensitive information lying around the office, Don’t leave printouts containing confidential information on your desk, lock them in your drawer, it’s very easy for a visitor to see confidential documents.