IT16 Case Study 7: Computer Lab Security Measures

As the use and the advancement of computer networks especially the Internet has increased dramatically during the past few years, I.T. security is fast becoming the top priority for most of the companies implementing and using I.T. as part of their business process.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) provided some guides to both the home and corporate users to help prevent their computer systems from being compromised. Here are the top ten security tips that you should always put in mind:

1. Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date.

Make sure you have anti-virus software on your computer. Anti-virus software is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses. But with new viruses emerging daily, anti-virus programs need regular updates. The more often you keep it updated, the better.

2. Don’t open emails or attachments from unknown sources.

A simple rule of thumb is that if you don't know the person who is sending you an email, be very careful about opening the email and any file attached to it. Should you receive a suspicious email, the best thing to do is to delete the entire message, including any attachment. Remember that

even friends and family may accidentally send you a virus or the e-mail may have been sent from their machines without their knowledge.

3. Protect your computer from Internet intruders by using firewalls and internet security appliance.

Equip your computer with a firewall and with internet security appliance. They work by filtering out unauthorized or potentially dangerous types of data from the Internet, while still allowing other valid data/request to reach your computer.

4. Regularly download security updates and patches for operating systems and other software.

Most major software companies today release updates and patches to close newly discovered vulnerabilities in their software. You need to be sure you download and install the patches and getting it from the correct patch update site.

5. Use hard-to-guess passwords.

Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess. Don’t share your password, and don’t use the same password in more than one place. If someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you don’t want them to be able to use it in other places.

6. Back-up your computer data on disks or CDs regularly.

Back up small amounts of data on floppy disks and larger amounts on CDs. If you have access to a network, save copies of your data on another computer in the network.

7. Don’t share access to your computers with strangers.

Unless you really need this ability, make sure you turn off file-sharing. Check your operating system and your other program help files to learn how to disable file sharing. Don’t share access to your computer with strangers.

8. Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.

Remember that the Digital Highway is a two-way road. You send and receive information on it. Disconnecting your computer from the Internet when you’re not online lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer. Someone could infect your computer or use it to

harm someone else on the Internet.

9. Check your security on a regular basis.

You should evaluate your computer security and policies at least twice a year. Look at the settings on applications that you have on your computer. Check what settings you have and make sure you have the security level appropriate for you.

10. Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if your computer becomes infected.

It’s important that everyone who uses a computer be aware of proper security practices. People should know how to update virus protection software, how to download security patches from software vendors and how to create a proper password.

Instruction:

• In your own little way, suggest 10 more ways to help prevent the computer systems from being compromised. Also suggest ways to HELP our laboratory from being compromised.
• Due: January 17, 2011