Here are some tips to help protect your computer's security and keep your data safe.

Back Up Your Work

You should always back up your computer files so you have a copy of them someplace other than on your computer. This is important in case the computer ever has a serious problem, such as a virus infection, defective hard drive, or corrupt operating system. Viruses and hard-drive failure can damage files to an unrecoverable extent.

• Use Stony Brook University's file-storage options (Department Shared Folders, Google Drive, MySBfiles, SharePoint)
• Buy an external hard drive
• Burn files to a CD or DVD

Install Antivirus and Keep Virus Definitions Up-to-Date

You cannot have more than one antivirus installed at a time.

Viruses are malicious programs that run on a computer. They can take control by being:

• Destructive: compromising computer files; allowing outsiders to access your files; replicating itself through email (using your address book) or through the network; etc.
• Non-destructive: consuming computer resources making a computer slow; annoying pop-ups or error messages; etc.

By installing Antivirus and ensuring the virus definitions are kept up-to-date, users will be less likely to fall victim to computer viruses.

Keep Your Operating System Up-to-Date

Having an up-to-date operating system reduces the likelihood of being exploited by malicious software.

Set Passwords on Administrative and User Accounts

In today's computing environment, passwords are still the primary method of securing access to your personal and sensitive data.

• Learn how to create a secure password and protect it

Turn on a Firewall

Connecting to the Internet can expose your computer to the world. Firewalls are like building a moat around your castle. Intruders will have to first break through the firewall to try to exploit your vulnerabilities.

• Learn how to turn on your Firewall

Keep a Record of Device IDs 

Keep a record of the serial numbers and Wi-Fi/MAC addresses of all your computers, laptops, and mobile devices (learn how to find Serial Numbers/MAC Addresses). Do not store this record on one of your devices, as you'll need to be able to access it in the event that your device is lost or stolen. 

To Help Keep Your Computer Secure, Avoid:

• Peer-to-Peer File Sharing programs: (i.e. - Bittorrent, Limewire)  not only do they put your computer's security at risk (downloaded files may be packaged with malware), but they also put you at risk legally (as the distribution of copyrighted material is illegal)
• VPNs: VPNs are not allowed as per Stony Brook's Appropriate Use of Information Technology; learn more about VPNs
• Opening Unexpected/Suspicious Email Attachments: learn what do to if you receive a suspicious attachment
• Phishing Scams/Links in Emails from Unknown Senders: learn how to identify Phishing Scams and what to do if you receive one
• Clicking on Pop-Up Messages: learn more about pop-up messages