Security

When students register their computer on the network, we require that they have antivirus software that is up-to-date, and the latest security patches are installed on their computer. However, the antivirus definitions and the security patches will soon be out-dated, because there are always new viruses and security risks being created in order to compromise computers.

We recommend you take the following measures to keep your computer secure. 

Security Recommendations

  • Keep your antivirus software up to date
  • Set secure passwords
  • Disable file sharing
  • Use the firewall (a firewall is a piece of software or hardware that can help protect your computer against hacker attacks, such as computer viruses--it helps to screen out many kinds of malicious Internet traffic before it can reach your computer)

Click from the menu below for more information and detailed instructions.

  1. Click the Settings icon, and then click the Change PC Settings.
  2. In the PC Settings screen, click the Users category
  3. Click Change Your Password. Click Create a Password to make a new password rather than update an existing one.
  4. Type your old password into the “Current Password” box, then your new password beneath it. If you are using “Create a Password,” type the desired password into the New Password text box. Then retype the same characters into the Retype Password text box below it.
  1. Set the “Security” preferences in System Preferences so a password is required to wake from sleep or from the screen saver; this will keep others from using an unattended Mac.
  2. Do not use the same account name and password on your Mac that you use to log on to other campus services.
  3. Never create a guest account, anonymous login, or an account with blank or obvious password.
  4. Select strong passwords which are not easily guessed. Keep them secret; don’t send them in e-mail or write them down where people might find them. Change them regularly.
  • Windows has a file and printer sharing option that is enabled by default on your computer. While it can be a useful for some environments where this type of sharing is needed, it can be detrimental to your computer’s security when you are on the residential network.
  • With File and Printer Sharing enabled, any person or virus may be able to access your computer without your knowledge. As most student will not need this feature, we strongly recommend you disable this function.

To disable file sharing in Windows: go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings, then select your network and toggle off "File and printer sharing"

To turn on Windows firewall:navigate to "Windows Security" from the Start menu, then select "Firewall & network protection". Check the toggle next to each network profile (Domain, Private, and Public) to ensure they are turned on.

To turn on Mac firewall: navigate to System Settings, then click on Network and Firewall. Toggle the Firewall switch to the on position.
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