The University of Arizona
Home » Security Basics

Security on a Shoestring: Protect Your Computer with Free Resources

 

Using the Internet can expose you to identity theft and security threats.  With ten basic, no-cost measures, you can protect your computer, information and personal identity.  This page offers instructions and resources for each of the ten measures.  If you need more help, the 24/7 IT Support Center (626-TECH) offers telephone, online and hands-on assistance.

#1. Keep your operating system and software updated
#2. Use up-to-date antivirus software
#3. Use up-to-date antispyware software
#4. Password protect your computer and accounts
#5. Control your downloads
#6. Lock down your computer
#7. Email and IM securely
#8. Use secure wireless
#9. Be smart online
#10. Back up your work

#1. Keep your operating system and software updated

This security measure is one of the most important yet easiest.  Updates close known vulnerabilities in software that hackers can exploit to get to your computer. 

Use your operating system's automatic update feature.  For Macintosh OS X and other Apple software, you can use the Software Update feature to automatically receive updates.  For Windows, the easiest way to update is to use the Automatic Updates feature in Windows Update.  Be sure to configure either feature to both receive and automatically install important updates. 

You can also manually update your operating system at Microsoft Windows Update or with the Macintosh Software Update feature. 

For other software, sign up for automatic updates or notification of updates.

Try one of these free online tools to help you detect missing patches.

#2. Use up-to-date antivirus software

Computer viruses can infect your computer when you access an infected website or email message.  Antivirus software scans for viruses and helps remove any it finds. 

Download free Sophos software for use with Windows or Macintosh.  Configure it to scan at least daily and get the latest protection by downloading updates automatically. 

Use only a single antivirus program.

#3. Use up-to-date antispyware software

Antispyware software scans your computer for spyware that makes changes to your computer or tracks your online activity.  It alerts you when it detects unwanted software and helps you decide how to deal with it. 

Install antispyware software.  Configure antispyware software to download updates automatically and, if possible, to scan at least weekly. 

Windows Defender is included with Windows Vista and is available to download for Windows XP.

Another free program for Windows is Spybot-Search and Destroy.

Antispyware software for Macs is not readily available.

#4. Password protect your computer and online accounts

Anyone with access to your computer can log on if you don't use a password.

Create account passwords for your operating system.

Also use passwords for all your online accounts.

Whenever possible, create passwords with at least eight characters and a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.  Use our tips to build a strong, easy-to-remember password. 

Keep passwords secret and change them regularly. 

Lock your computer when you’re not using it by holding down the Windows logo key + L for Windows and Shift+Command+Q for Macintosh. 

Use a password-protected screensaver.

#5. Control your downloads

Prevent malicious downloads online by making sure you receive a prompt before a program can be installed or run. Windows Vista and Macintosh OS X do this by default, so you simply need to be cautious about allowing downloads, especially those you don't initiate (unless you have changed the default setting).

For Windows XP, switch to a user account rather than an administrator account.

Then, when you need to perform a task that requires administrator rights, such as installing or running programs, follow these instructions:

  • Right click on the file or program in a Windows Explorer window or in the Start menu list
  • Click the radio button next to The following user:
  • Select the account username from the drop-down box
  • Enter the account password

You do not need to do anything to turn off this feature after you use it. Be conscious of the risks when you allow a download.  

#6. Lock down your computer

Computers can be stolen, particularly laptops.  Leave your computer behind a locked door, and use a cable lock to lock your laptop to a permanent structure.  Cable locks are available at many retailers, including the Computing & Technology Store in the UA Bookstore.

#7. Email and IM securely

Delete or filter spam. 

Watch out for scams and don’t open or respond to email from people you don’t know or trust.  Be suspicious of any unexpected message that requests your personal information, such as your bank account, credit card and Social Security numbers or your NetID and password.  You will likely get some of these “phishing” attempts in your inbox but legitimate organizations will never ask you for this information. 

Be careful about links and attachments in messages.  They can be used to gain access to your personal information or your computer. Copy or type the web address in your browser instead of clicking a link.

#8. Use secure wireless

Wireless networks are convenient but can be risky.  UA Public is not secure and information that you send or enter online can be intercepted.  To help prevent this, always use UA WiFi rather than UA Public. 

“WiFi” hotspots, where you don’t need to set anything up or enter a password, are very convenient.  They are also inherently unsecure.  Eavesdroppers can see the websites you’re visiting, your username and password for unsecured websites and for some types of email accounts, and any shared files on your laptop.  Think twice about what you do while using hotspots. 

If you set up your own wireless network at home, follow our instructions to secure it.

#9. Be smart online

Keep your personal information—your bank account, credit card and Social Security numbers—private to prevent thieves from stealing your identity. 

Before sharing your personal information on a website, check for https in the web address and for security icons, such as a closed padlock or unbroken key.  Also, read the site’s privacy statement or end user agreement first. 

Download free games and other software and information only from websites you trust.  Try one of these tools for free to weed out untrusted sites.

 Try the phishing filter in your web browser to detect potential phishing scams.

Think twice before you click banner ads or pop-up windows, and press Alt+F4 to close them. 

Be careful about installing and using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, because they can allow anyone on the Internet to access your computer and files.  Never share files with strangers, who may pass on a virus or spyware in a music or video file.

#10. Back up your work

Don’t lose that term paper!  Protect your important files by backing up regularly using writeable CDs, a USB drive or an online backup service (many of which are free of charge). 

Windows Vista will automatically back up your files.  You can let the Windows XP Backup Utility do the work for you.  Similar options are available for Macintosh OS X. 

Be aware that open-access lab and library computers are often wiped clean every day, so that any files you save to them will be erased.  Save your work to a USB drive before leaving the computer.