Best Practices

Create a strong password. Your password allows access to University data and networked resources.  Passwords should be kept confidential and changed frequently.  Guidelines for Creating a Password.

Update the operating system on your home and office computer. New security concerns develop frequently.  The best way to protect your computer’s operating system is to install updates to the operating system.  Mac and Microsoft updates are FREE to download:

Windows: http://update.microsoft.com/
Mac: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/

Install and update anti-virus software. Viruses can corrupt data and slow down entire computer networks.  To protect your computer from infection, install anti-virus software, and update when prompted. 

AVG AntiVirus offers basic protection against viruses and spyware for your personal computer.  Download it for FREE at http://free.avg.com/.
In addition, Symantec AntiVirus is available to faculty and staff for office computers and University-owned laptops at https://trl.memphis.edu/sd/.

Turn on your machine’s firewall. A firewall creates a “wall” between your computer or laptop and any potential network intrusions.  Turn on your Computer’s Firewall.

Locate and remove spyware and malware. Spyware or malware (malicious software) is software installed on your computer without your knowledge.  It may be installed while you are downloading an application or using a file sharing program online. Malware Bytes is available for free to search for and remove spyware and malware.  Download Malware Bytes at http://www.malwarebytes.org/.

Confidential Data

Store. Encrypt all confidential data that is stored on a laptop or other portable media.  You can encrypt the entire hard drive of your laptop or an entire USB drive to ensure that the data cannot be viewed by anyone else.  Encryption Instructions.

Erase. Deleting files from your computer, portable laptop or other device, or electronic storage media does not permanently remove the data.  The data must be overwritten before disposal.  Instructions for Equipment Disposal.