Information Security Tips
by Kim Logan
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Editor's Note in October 2006 - Please visit the new Information Security web site.
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The beginning of a new academic year is a good time to remind everyone that security is everyone's responsibility. Security policies are in place to protect both information and people. Just as you lock the doors to your house and car to keep intruders from entering and stealing your personal property or harming someone, you need to lock access to your information to keep it safe from misuse. There has never been a security policy put in place to hinder someone's legitimate access to information; information security policies are meant only to promote a safe and private information environment.
Password and Personal Indentification Number (PIN) Security
A password is a private key to any system that you have been authorized to use. A PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various University of Cincinnati systems.
It's like the Personal Identification Number your bank gives you to access your account. The first and most important thing to remember about password and PIN security is to never share these keys with anyone. If you think your password or PIN may have been compromised, change it immediately. Eliminate all notes where you have written down a password or PIN.
When creating a password or PIN, choose something that would not be easy for someone to guess. Do not use everyday words found in the dictionary. Use a combination of letters and numbers, or create an unusual "compound word." The longer the password or PIN, the harder it will be to crack. But make sure it's something you can remember!
For more password tips, please visit [obsolete URL deleted].
Viruses and Spam
To avoid viruses, regularly scan your PC with up-to-date anti-virus software and never open an attachment from someone you do not know. For a complete set of virus protection guidelines and a link to virus protection software provided by the University, please visit [obsolete URL deleted].
Spam, or unsolicited commercial or bulk email, is becoming a very common problem. UCit recommends that you delete the unwanted email, but do not respond. Responding often verfies your valid email address and will only casue you to receive more spam.
Visit the following sites for what you should do if you are receiving spam or pornographic email:
Combating Spam and Viruses: [obsolete URL deleted]
Unwanted Mass Spam: [obsolete URL deleted]
Policies
Become familiar with security policies. This will help ensure that you act with security in mind, as well as facilitate doing your job by getting the access you need with as few problems as possible.
Security is everyone's responsibility. Let's all do our part for a secure and effective environment.
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