OIT Help Desk

Computer Security

Can my computer be hacked? Who would notice or care?

Your computer is a valuable asset – it has high-speed access to the Internet, it has all kinds of information about your identity, and it has storage space. These things are all valuable to others on the Internet, who spend large amounts of time trying to figure out how to steal them from you. All it takes are a few simple precautions to protect yourself and your computer from theft and vandalism. Strong passwords, anti-virus software, and sensible reactions to email and pop-up requests to run or install software that you didn’t ask for are required.

If your computer is hacked or attacked by viruses, it may be necessary for OIT (the Office of Information Technology) to disable your internet connection to protect everyone else on our network.

The following pages are here to assist you in learning about computer security and how you can make sure that your computer is not at risk.

Minimum Guidelines for Secure Passwords

What do I need to know about computer security?
More on Computer Security
OIT Help Desk Virus and Security Alert Page
Download Virus Scan Software
Other Anti-Virus Software and Removal Tools
Clean Client Access
How Not to Get Hooked by a 'Phishing' Scam