Antivirus software is reactive; safe computing is proactive protection.
This means that your computer will have protection after a new virus or worm begins making its way across the Internet. The safe computing practices below can help you stay protected before the latest virus or worm appears.
Be suspicious of attachments and unexpected email messages
Use antivirus software to scan anything that you receive in your email
True company-based emails never send attachments
Make sure the link actually goes to the site you're interested in & not a spoofed one!
Be careful about clicking on embedded web links in email
Be cautious about web sites you visit
Enable your computer's firewall (a feature included with Windows XP Professional software)
Don't enter sensitive information on a site you don't trust
Make sure online transactions are actually secure (look for the lock on the bottom right of your browser window)
Don't just click on a link, copy it into your web browser and open it that way - that even includes OIT links in the emails we send!
Don't click on pop-ups or ads
Be wary of emails asking for personal or financial information
Use VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date
Don't let your browser be "helpful" by allowing auto fill-out of forms
Use common sense. If it sounds weird or too good to be true, it probably is!
Be wary of unsolicited technical advice
Remember, email messages shouldn't be considered secure. Because email can be forwarded to anyone, consider the messages you send public information
Always remember to log-off when connecting to secure web sites such as CULink or Desire2Learn. If you do not, the next user of the computer may have access to your data
Public computers may not always be securely configured and pose a threat to your privacy by storing your password or web cookies. Think twice about going to a secure site if you can not verify the security of the computer