Computer Security
Safe Computing Practice
How Do I Secure My Computer?
- Use a firewall on your home computer. College computers are protected by the network firewall.
- Use strong passwords.
- Make sure your computer is protected with anti-virus and all security patches and updates.
- Share files correctly.
- Back up files regularly.
- Don’t store sensitive information on hard drive.
- Shut down, lock, log off, or put your computer to sleep before leaving it unattended and require password to start or wake up.
- Practice safe emailing.
Spyware Prevention
How Can I Prevent Spyware on my Computer?
- Avoid free tool bars for your browser since they may come with spyware.
- Don’t unwittingly install adware or software. Only click “yes” in response to Internet generated installation dialog boxes if you trust the publisher and want the software.
- Install pop-up blocker to prevent spyware pop-ups.
- Make sure the programs (especially freeware) you install don’t contain spyware (read license agreement, check publisher’s website, use search engine on program name and keywords “adware or Spyware.”).
- Regularly use spam cleaners to remove spyware.
Virus Protection
Symantec Anti-Virus software is provided by NOVA for all college-owned computers. Anti-virus software is provided for faculty and staff to use on their home computers. To borrow a copy of the anti-virus software for your home computer, check out the CD from your campus library or download it from the Blackboard portal page.
Virus scanning software should be updated at a minimum of once per week. During times when viruses are being released, updates to virus signatures may be released more than once per week. Therefore, Symantec Anti-Virus should be configured to automatically update its virus signatures daily using Symantecs Liveupdate service. .
Be sure to test all new software and new diskettes with virus scanning programs. Use the Symantec Anti-Virus scanning program that NOVA provides to all faculty and staff for use at the College and at home.
The IT Help Desk will send notices through NOVA email to alert you to when you should be sure that you updated the software provided to you. Be sure to read all IT HelpDesk email notices about virus and virus protection.
How can I avoid computer viruses?
- Don’t download software offered on outside bulletin boards.
- Don’t share diskettes without using virus scanning programs.
- Don’t open attachments to your email from someone you do not know.
- Don’t open attachments to your email without using a virus scanning program.
- Keep backups and documentation up-to-date.
Here are some symptoms of a possible virus:
- Files disappear or replicate.
- Mystery file appears.
- Data is transformed or corrupted.
- Disk space fills up.
- Memory capacity is reduced.
- Computer slows down or locks up.
- Unusual system messages appear.
- Hard drive crashes.
If you think you have a virus on your computer, respond to the possible virus by staying calm; don’t spread panic. Complete the following steps
- Stop using the computer with the possible virus.
- Write down what happened, what files you were using, and what functions you just executed when you identified a possible virus.
- Report the possible virus incident to the IT HelpDesk at 703-426-4141 or email ithelpdesk@nvcc.edu.
After a virus is removed from your system, be alert to any sign of reinfection.