ResNet @ MSU-Northern


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Security
Key

Pages in this Section:
>Security
  Passwords
  Disabling Filesharing
  Remove File Shares
  Remove Printer Shares
  Spyware

Unlike dialup modems, ResNet connections stay open as long as the computer is turned on. This, and the fact that it keeps the same IP address for extended periods of time, gives hackers a larger window of opportunity for breaking into your computer. The higher speed of the connection also makes your system an attractive target.

When you connect your computer to any shared network without taking certain precautions, your system is exposed to risks, such as viruses, data loss, system corruption, etc. The loss or corruption of computer data can cause anything from minor frustration to major disaster. If your computer is compromised it also might be used to launch attacks. Remember: You are ulitmately responsible for the security and integrity of your system and all traffic originatiing from it - whether or not you generated it.

Following the tips below will help establish a reasonable level of Windows operating system security. For information about more comprehensive Windows security measures, visit Microsoft's Windows Security and Security at Home web sites. If you are using MacOS and want more information about securing your computer, check out SecureMac.com.

Check Mark bullet

Log on to Windows NT,2000 and XP computers with a user id and a strong password.

 
  • Do not use the auto log on feature of Windows 2000 and XP.
  • Do not use a blank password. Using a user name with no password to log on to a computer makes it very easy for anyone to gain access to files and programs on a computer. ...More on passwords
  • Rename the Administrator account
   
Check Mark bullet Install antivirus software and make sure it remains current. Firewall software would also be a good investment. A good free product is ZoneAlarm. Another good one that can be purchased is Black Ice Defender.
   
Check Mark bullet Backup important data regularly.
   
Check Mark bullet Download and Install Current Service Packs for Windows. A service pack or service release is a periodic update that corrects problems in a version of a product. Service packs or service releases are important for keeping your version of Windows running smoothly.Service packs can be downloaded and installed from Microsoft's Web Site by:
 
   
Check Mark bullet Use Windows Update to download and install critical updates for Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office. Critical updates are updates required to keep your system safe from compromise. These patches come out between service packs.
   
Check Mark bullet

Do not set up file or print shares. Many students are not aware that file-sharing programs are designed to keep running on your computer, even when you are not using them. Most file sharing programs hide rather than close upon request. To be sure that a file sharing program has really been shut down in Windows, check the system tray (on the opposite end of the taskbar from the Start button) to see if the program's icon is still there. There are steps you can take to limit your computer's ability to share files.

   
Check Mark bullet Do not install Internet Information services (IIS).
 
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Disclaimer		 Last Update: 28-Dec-2007
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