Search
eHelp  

eHelp » Security » Tips » Software Protection

Take Software Protection Measures:

Here are some basic software tools to help protect computer users from malicious attacks.

• Anti-Virus Software - Use up-to-date anti-virus software – Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee Virus Scan are two of the programs available – with automatic updates turned on.
• Software Patches - Automatically download critical patches. If you are running Windows XP as your operating system, make sure you are using Service Pack 2. Windows XP includes an automatic update feature.
• Anti-Spyware Software – Make sure you are running at least one anti-spyware program. You can choose from free options such as Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware or you can use a commercial program like Spy Sweeper, which is made by Webroot.com and comes with automatic updates. (Note: Ad-Aware cannot be installed on state-owned computers, but can be used on computers not paid for by state resources. This is because of the CSU's licensing agreements).
• Personal Firewall – A firewall is a software application designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet. If you are using Windows XP then you have a personal firewall built in to the operating system. Make sure the firewall in XP is turned on.
• Email Spam Filter – Cal Poly Pomona uses a spam filter called Spam Assassin to separate legitimate messages from illegitimate or “junk mail” messages. To configure your email client – Netscape, Outlook, Entourage, et al. – to use Spam Assassin, consult eHelp: http://www.csupomona.edu/~ehelp/spam/index.html.