Computer Security Tips

To protect your computer, please consider and practice the following security measures:

General Use

  • Shut computer off every day before you go home.
  • Lock your workstation when unattended.
  • Set your screensaver to password protect.
  • Back up your data regularly.
  • Do not open suspicious attachments, and
  • Do not open attachments from senders that you do not know

Passwords

  • Change your passwords regularly. We recommend at least monthly
  • Don’t keep a text file with your passwords listed
  • If you want to keep this list, save it on a diskette and keep the diskette in a secure location – not in your computer
  • Don’t allow your web browser to remember passwords.
  • Don’t make all your passwords the same.
  • Use passwords only once.
  • Don’t share your passwords with others

Good passwords

  • Contain a minimum of 8 characters
  • Contain at least 1 non-alphanumeric characters such as ! & * ) # .
  • Use numbers in place of letters and vice-versa.
  • Use deliberately misspelled words and acronyms.
  • Contain both upper and lower case characters.

Bad passwords

  • Words that can be found in a dictionary.
  • Derivatives of network user IDs or full name.
  • Any part of your name - first, last, or middle.
  • A name associated with you (Maiden name, pet name, child’s name, favorite celebrity, teams, films, etc.).
  • All numbers associated with you (Social Security Number, Phone Number, Birth dates, Anniversary, Car tag, Bank PINs).
  • Sequences of keyboard keys, such as "12345" or "qwerty".

Virus Scanning

  • Have up to date anti virus software on your computer
  • Scan your computer regularly
  • Stay informed about the latest virus threats and hoaxes.
 

Updated October 23, 2007