The first thing you need to do is install and frequently update a good antivirus program. Every student using a connection in the residence halls is responsible for keeping "their" computer virus free. Please learn how to maintain anti-virus software on "your" computer.

Through ODU's site license program with McAfee, you may download the corporate A/V product. This software can be downloaded (with Midas userid / password) from OCCS. Refer to Contact Us for information on obtaining assistance.

Obtaining the software is only the first step. It is only effective if it is always running and data files are current. If properly configured, the McAfee Antivirus Client will automatically update daily. If your version is out of date, you can manually update it by right clicking on the icon in the system tray and select Update. This will update to the latest version of definition files.

Keeping Windows patched with the latest critical updates is extremely important.  These patches close vulnerability holes. Microsoft frequently releases critical updates that help minimize security risks in your software.

Windows XP has a feature called "Automatic Updating". This feature retrieves these updates as they become available.

ResNet recommends that you manually go to the Windows Update website to update your Microsoft Critical updates. You may want to install "recommended patches" that are listed. Always install the critical updates. This may require rebooting and going back to the site several times until it says there are no more critical updates to perform.
Microsoft also released Service Pack 2 for Windows XP which contains numerous security updates and patches for your operating system. It is one of the critical updates you need to install. Refer to Contact Us for information on obtaining assistance.

All computers should have a password for access.
Microsoft has these recommendations for creating a "strong password":

• It should be at least 7 characters long, the longer, the better
• Try to use UPPER case and lower case letters, as well as other symbols and numbers
• Has at least one symbol character in the second through sixth position
• Use at least four different characters (don't repeat letters/numbers)
• It should look like a random sequence of letters and numbers

Here is what Microsoft says to NOT do when creating a password:

• Don't use ANY PART of your logon name for your password
• Don't use any actual word or name in ANY language
• Don't use numbers in place of similar letters
• Don't reuse any portion of your old password
• Don't use consecutive letters or numbers like "abcdefg" or "234567"
• Don't use adjacent keys on your keyboard like "qwerty"

Microsoft also recommends changing your password at least once every six months. While you might find it nearly impossible to create a password to conform to all of these rules, that is not really the goal. Use this as a guide to get an idea of what to create. As always, with any password; don't write it down or give it to anyone. OCCS Acceptable Usage Policy prohibits sharing your Midas password with anyone else.

This is another option you have to secure your computer and data. First, let's define what a firewall is, and why you would need one. Consider a firewall just like a fence between neighbors. You can use the preset gate to go back and forth through the fence.  Things you don't want on your side won't get through to your side (dogs, cats, small children) without being able to access that gate. When your computer uses the internet, it uses specific "ports" to transfer data through; a firewall can block access to unnecessary ports while only allowing "specific" programs pass through the firewall. You do want to allow certain programs to access the Internet but you may not want other programs to serve data to the Internet.

Example:
A firewall prevents others on the Internet from seeing and "port scanning" your computer for open ports to exploit. Critical updates can help close these vulnerabilities but a firewall will block all ports except the ones you authorize to use in order to operate your computer. As programs need to use the Internet, the firewall program will prompt you for permission to use the Internet. You can grant one time use to test or permanently allow it to use that port. If a program on your computer wants to act as a server to provide data to someone else it will also ask if you want to allow it to act as a server.

If you are not sure whether or not to allow this, then search the "Google" web site (www.google.com) for .exe program wanting permission to open the port. Properly configuring a firewall is essential to keep hackers and viruses from gaining access to your computer. You can prevent spy-ware programs from sending data back to their servers by not allowing that program to act as a server. If the world cannot see your computer because you have a firewall, they will move on to someone else that has open ports to exploit.

So what is available to you? If you use Windows XP, the easiest way to protect your computer is to enable the built in Internet Connection Firewall. If you prefer something more powerful or don't have Windows XP, you can purchase or sometimes freely download a third party firewall program. Prices for these programs vary, but are usually under $50 for a good one. If you choose to use one of the other programs to protect your computer then you will need to rely on the manufacturer for support.

• It is best to be sure that your antivirus software is up to date.
• Be sure that your other software, including Windows, is also up to date.
• Change your password regularly.
• If you choose to use a firewall, be sure that it is properly configured.

If you have more questions or concerns, a good place to start would be the Microsoft Security website.