ResNet
Under Attack: Securing your computer
Computers on residence hall networks seem to be popular targets for hackers and viruses of all types, and UMD's ResNet is no exception. Every year, dozens of computers are infected with viruses, spyware and malware that cause major network disruption for all ResNet customers.
Most of these computers must be removed from the network until the owner can patch, upgrade or reinstall their operating system, so this also results in temporary service interruption for many students.
To prevent YOUR computer from being a victim, your best defense is a good offense. Follow the tips below to protect yourself, your computer, and your private information.
- Restrict file and printer sharing
- Unless you are specifically sharing files or a printer
with someone else, turn off file and printer sharing (on by default).
- Select START - Settings - Network and Dial Up Connections - Local Area Connection).
- Click on the Properties button.
- Select "File and Printer Sharing,", then select the Uninstall button.
- Set strong passwords for all accounts on the computer
- Blank or weak passwords are common entry ways for viruses that compromise a computer. All accounts should have passwords, but especially the "Administrator" and "Guest" accounts (created by default on all Windows 2000/XP computers) - even if these accounts are disabled. For details see: Set passwords for all users on the system.
- Use a personal firewall
- Personal firewalls provide an additional layer of security to your desktop. After installing the software, read the alerts carefully before responding. Windows XP has a built-in firewall that is easy to turn on. For details see: How to turn on or turn off the Internet firewall in Windows XP. Other options are free firewalls such as ZoneAlarm.
- Install anti-virus software and scan weekly
- The University has an agreement with Norton that means you get free anti-virus software - so get clicking and download it! Make sure to update and run a scan weekly.
- Install anti-spyware software & check weekly
- Are pop-ups driving you mad? Do you know what's running on your computer? When you download and install "free" programs from the Internet, you may be getting more than you realize. Ad-Aware and Spybot are free programs that ferret out unwanted spyware, adware and pop-ups.
- Run Windows Update Service weekly
- Apply the service packs and critical updates for your
operating system. Windows Update Service and a fast Ethernet connection
make this relatively painless. To run this service:
- Select "START - Windows Update".
- Select "Scan my computer".
- Select and install all "Critical Updates and Service Packs" listed in the left-hand menu after the scan.
- Enable Automatic Updates
- Automatic Updates ensure that your computer remains up-to date
with the most current service packs, patches and updates. To enable this
feature on Win2000 or WinXP computers:
- Select Start -> Control Panels -> Automatic Updates
- Select "Download the updates and ... notify me"
- Don't allow your computer to be a server
- Besides being a violation of ResNet policy, turning your computer into a server makes it more vulnerable to Internet attacks. Many programs (such as Morpheus and BitTorrent) turn your computer into a server when they are installed, and include spyware and adware that compromises your computer.
- Turn your computer off if you will not be using it for several hours.
- From previous experience, we have found that computers left on all the time are much more vulnerable to hackers.