Computer Security
Introduction
Researchers estimate that in 2004, an unprotected computer would be compromised within twenty minutes of being connected to the Internet; once infected, a computer on a network can spread that infection rapidly. Protect yourself and our community by protecting your computer.
The following steps are some common ways to prevent viruses and protect your computer. If you choose to come to UC Merced you must take some of the appropriate precautions to avoid infections, identity theft, crashes, and possible loss of your network privileges. UC Merced will disable connectivity to any compromised computer once found.
Update your operating system
One of the most important steps to take in securing your system is to update your operating system and configure it to receive frequent automatic updates.
Windows XP - Service Pack 2
- Right-click on My Computer, select Properties, then click on the Automatic Updates tab.
- Check one of the settings: we recommend download updates for me but let me choose when to install them
Mac OSX
- From the Apple Menu, select System Preferences, and then click on the Software Update button.
- Check the box next to Check for updates and select how often. We recommend setting this to Weekly.
Note: There are cases where applying the updates may cause system instability. Please read about each hotfix, service pack, or security update before applying it.
Install, update, and run antivirus software
It is important to remember that virus scanning software must be updated with the new virus definitions to be effective. Before performing a virus scan be sure to run the Update feature, or configure the software to Auto-update on a regular basis. Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan are two widely utilized virus scanning programs.
Enable your operating system's built-in firewall
If you already have a third party firewall installed, configured, and running on your system you can skip this step.
Windows XP - Service Pack 2
- Click on the Start button, then Control Panel, click Windows Security Center, and click Windows Firewall.
- Turn the firewall On.
Mac OSX
- From the Apple Menu, choose System Preferences, click on Sharing, and then click the Firewall tab.
- Click the Start button to turn on your firewall.
It is important to remember that virus scanning software must be updated with the new virus definitions to be effective. Before performing a virus scan be sure to run the Update feature, or configure the software to Auto-update on a regular basis. Norton AntiVirus and McAfee VirusScan are two widely utilized virus scanning programs.
Do not open email messages from unknown sources
If you don't know the person who is sending you an email, be very careful about opening it, especially if it has a file attachment. The best thing to do is to delete the entire message, along with any attachment.
Even if you do know the person sending you the email, you should exercise caution if the message is strange and unexpected, particularly if it contains unusual hyperlinks or attachments. Before opening a file attachment look at the extension. Don't open attachments with extensions .zip, .pif, .exe, .com, .bat, or .eml unless you know the person and what it is they are sending you.
When in doubt, delete the email.
Backup your important files and documents
Periodically copy your data files onto a USB Flash Drive or burn them onto a CD. In the case that something does happen to your computer you will not lose your important data.
Looking for help?
We offer a number of tutorials and FAQs available in the Guides & FAQs section.
If you have any questions, problems, or comments, please contact the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, via phone at 209.228.HELP (4357), or visit them in the Classroom and Office Building room 132A.