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Mizzou IT: IT Security
Security at MU
Welcome to MU! Computer security is essential for the efficient operating of the MU network. The Information Security & Account Management team (ISAM) helps protect MU's technology resources by educating users about security trends and threats. However, every user on campus has a responsibility to practice safe computing. Follow the guidelines below to help protect your computer, your data, and the MU network as a whole. Remember, "You Are the Key to Security!"
Protect Your Password and Identity
- To help protect personal and MU resources, practice secure behavior and treat your password like your personal signature. Never share your password with anyone. Also, don't write your password down — doing so increases the chances of someone finding it and accessing your account or the network.
- Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. Anytime you share personal information with others, you are at a risk for identity theft. Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.
- More information: password protection; identity theft
Keep Your Machine Clean Current with Updates
- Keeping software updated is critical to safe computing. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities.
- Check for updates to anti-virus applications and critical updates for the operating system and programs weekly. Many vendors provide automatic mechanisms for online software updates.
- More information: best practices
Run Anti-Virus Software and Keep It Updated
- Vulnerable or infected computers pose a risk to all computers on the network. Anti-virus programs scan for and automatically remove worms, viruses and trojan horses. These various computer programs can be very damaging to your computer. Anti-virus programs work by comparing computer files against a file containing known virus components (called the virus definition file). The virus definition file is updated regularly, because new viruses are created every day.
- The Division of IT provides, free of charge, Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition software. This software is available for download via the Software Distribution Site or on CD available at TigerTech in Brady Commons.
- More information: anti-virus software
Be Aware of Internet Threats
- Three emerging internet threats include spyware, phishing scams and key logging. All of these techniques can be used by computer hackers to obtain your personal information. Hackers can use these types of technology to obtain your credit card numbers, read your personal e-mail, track every web page you visit, or even steal your identity.
- Spyware, also called adware, is software that is hidden on your computer that gathers personal information about you and your Internet use habits. The software then relays it to advertisers, marketing groups and others who use the information to target you with pop-up ads. Spyware is hidden so it is difficult to recognize and remove. AdAware, a free program you can use to scan your system for spyware, is available at CNET.
- Phishing scams are a relatively new form of Internet fraud that are becoming increasingly prevalent. This high-tech scam uses spam or pop-up messages to trick users into disclosing credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers or other confidential information.
- Key logging is a way for hackers to get information from your computer. A hacker can install software or a physical device onto your computer. Both enable a hacker to track everything you type on your keyboard. This includes passwords, e-mail, web sites visited, credit card information — anything you type.
- More information: spyware and phishing; key logging
Be Aware of Copyright Issues
- Federal copyright law protects authors from online theft-that is, from the unlawful reproduction or distribution of their works. The DMCA covers music, movies, text and anything that is copyrighted. More importantly, the law involves you, because there is a good chance you might be breaking the law, even if you are not aware that you are.
- More information: DMCA
Attend Security Awareness Training
- ISAM offers in-person and web-based training that covers these topics and more! Contact ISAM if you are interested in attending a training session or enrolling in the WebCT course. Remember, "You Are the Key to Security!"
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