Take control by following these steps!

Today's technology offers us greater power than ever before, enabling higher productivity and convenient communication. Unfortunately, along with the benefits come risks. Digital relationships can be deceptive. Watch out for computer security dangers such as phishing schemes, spyware downloads, and Internet fraud. Never share private information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Viruses, spyware, insecure passwords, and careless computer setup and maintenance can result in computer problems, loss of data, and loss of access to ANGEL, e-mail, eLion, the Web, and other online services. Although these issues represent a serious threat, you're not helpless. You can take control: follow the seven steps below to help ensure safer, uninterrupted access to all the services you need and enjoy.

1. Firewalls

Your Internet-connected computer is probed many times daily. Automated attack tools are always seeking ways to break into and take over your system. Severe attacks may delete important data, crash your system, spawn new attacks, or even steal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. A firewall can help protect your computer by blocking potentially hostile connection attempts. Learn how to set up a firewall.

2. Antivirus Software

New viruses are written and released on a daily basis. Many of the more common viruses morph or change frequently to make them more difficult to detect. Viruses spread rapidly and by many different ways (for example, via e-mail attachments; infected document files; Web sites that contain hostile code that can infect your computer through vulnerable browsers; and unprotected fileshares). Your computer may be vulnerable to virus attacks if you are not using antivirus software and updating it regularly. Learn how to get AntiVirus software and schedule it to run automatically.

3. Security Updates

Protect your computer by installing updates regularly. Keeping up with operating system updates is critical. Relying on the fact that many computer users fail to install software patches on their machines, hackers create worms to take advantage of these vulnerabilities. Most software vendors, including Microsoft and Apple, offer updates to correct security gaps that worms and other malicious programs can use to attack your computer. Learn how to set up automatic security updates on your computer.

4. Spyware Protection

Similar to someone looking over your shoulder and writing down information about what you do online, Spyware secretly transmits information about your online activity and the data stored on your computer. Spyware is often installed as a component of freeware programs. Anti-spyware programs are available that help in detecting and cleaning spyware from your system. Two common anti-spyware programs are Ad-aware and Spybot. Learn more about spyware.

5. Secure Passwords

Your digital identity and computer security are only as safe as your passwords. Make sure you have strong, safe passwords for your Penn State Access Account, your computer, and systems that store your important data and confidential information. Selecting a good password initially and changing it periodically are important ways to avoid having your computer or account compromised. Learn how to choose secure passwords.

6. Social Networking

Social networking Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace make it easy to meet people on a personal or professional level. By providing personal information using blogs, chat, e-mail, or instant messaging, you can meet new friends and communicate with others who share your interests. However, you should be aware that information you share is potentially available to the world -- friends and strangers alike. Learn more about social networking.

7. Phishing Tips

The goal of a phishing scam is to steal your valuable personal data, such as credit card numbers, passwords, account data, and other information. The con artists who design phishing scams send out millions of fraudulent e-mail messages that appear to come from organizations you know and trust, like your bank, credit card company, or school. The e-mail will direct you to provide personal information such as your bank account number or social security number. The bogus emails often include links to authentic-looking Web sites that have logos taken directly from legitimate Web sites. If you think you've received a phishing e-mail message, do not respond to it. Learn more phishing tips.

 
 

 

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