Protect Your Computer

Bulletins and Alerts
Critical OS Updates
Antivirus Software
Recognize Malicious Emails

Help Desk
Faculty Liaisons

Computer security attacks can come in many forms and result in lost or corrupted data, computer failures, bizarre computer behavior, or even stolen personal information (passwords, PIN numbers, bank account data, etc.).

No one can prevent all computer security attacks. However, you can minimize these threats by taking the precautions listed below.

Follow all steps below on every computer you own or maintain.

• Keep backups of all valuable documents, spreadsheets, emails, images, music, bookmarks, etc. If you need help creating backups, contact the Computing Help Desk.

• Heed all bulletins from ACC. We work hard to provide information when needed. It is up to you to follow our instructions. ACC bulletins always reference a secure web page on Haverford’s web site with information related to that bulletin.
  

• Install Haverford's antivirus software. Haverford licenses and distributes a customized installer for the antivirus product McAfee VirusScan.
  
  
• Install all critical and important updates for your operating system, antivirus software, and other software programs. If your computer is properly configured, these are often available automatically. Watch for update messages from your software packages, and also from ACC bulletins.
  
  
• Beware of scams, phishing attempts, and other malicious emails. Before taking any action suggested by an email message, very that it is legitimate. Scams, phishing attempts, and other malicious emails are an ever increasing problem. Any bulletin that ACC sends will reference a secure page on Haverford’s web site.
  
  
• Use caution when downloading software and documents. Beware of unsolicited pop-ups offering "antivirus" software or system enhancing tools. Such offers often load malicious software onto your system.
  
  
• Do not open attachments or click on web links in messages unless you are expecting them. Potential hazards are often distributed through email, instant messages, and social networking sites.
  
  
• Avoid peer-to-peer file sharing networks such as LimeWire and Soulseek. Although these networks offer many benefits, they also create security holes and thus open your system to malicious software and other attacks.
  
  
• Do not extend the college network through your own wireless access points, switches, or routers. Wireless transmitters jeopardize the security of the entire campus network.
  
  
• Be alert to unusual computer behavior.  If you notice anything unusual, such as the wrong name appearing in your SquirrelMail account, your computer running unusually slow, unexpected login requests, or your browser loading the wrong web pages, please contact the Help Desk immediately. These are common symptoms of a compromised computer or email account.

More Information

You can get additional software and information to help you secure your systems from the following sites:

OnGuardOnline.gov

OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. In particular, see the excellent document, 7 Practices for Computer Security.

US-CERT

Established in 2003 to protect the nation's Internet infrastructure, US-CERT coordinates defense against and responses to cyber attacks across the nation. CERT publishes reliable, current information about known computer threats.
http://www.us-cert.gov/

Microsoft Security Home Page

Definitive information about Microsoft security alerts on Microsoft's Web Site. http://www.microsoft.com/security/

Virus Hoaxes

Check these sources to see if emails detailing viruses are legit!

• NAI: http://vil.nai.com/vil/hoaxes.asp
• Symantec: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
• Urban Legends: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/

Spyware detection and Removal

Without your knowledge, there is a good chance you downloaded "spyware" (software that tracks who you are or where you go) or "adware" (invokes pop-up boxes which try to get you to buy stuff). These packages will help you detect and remove this unwanted software.

• Windows Defender: Included with Vista. Download from Microsoft for XP.
• Spybot: http://www.spybot.info