Safe Computing Information

You protect yourself from colds, crime, and things that disturb your way of life: why allow your computer to become infected? Computer protection is very important for all active internet users.

Recommended Anti-virus Software

ResNet recommends and supports Microsoft Security Essentials or AVAST to help protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Tips for Safe Browsing

Web browsers are one of the most prevelant ways of accessing information on the Internet. They have become one of the most popular applications that one will find on a computer. However, due to the way web browsers work as well as their popularity, they have become targets by hackers and other malicious users who would like to take control of your computer and steal your data (including bank account information). Below, you will find several tips to help you safely browse the Internet. Since you can't depend on your browser being completely secure, your browsing habits have to be more secure!

1. Protect your online passwords by using different passwords for each site you are registered with. At a minimum, do not use the same password you use at work or at your bank for sites that are not as important (e.g. a newspaper site requiring registration).
2. Store and generate your online passwords in a password storage tool.
3. Make sure that you are running an up-to-date antivirus application.
4. Make sure that your browser, extensions, and plugins are up-to-date.
5. Do NOT give out personal information (identity and financial) unless absolutely sure that you need to. In that case, make sure it is over an encrypted link (https instead of http in the browser navigation bar).
6. Do NOT click on links in email. Sometimes a malicious site address is hidden in the link. Don't click on any links from people you don't know, and copy/paste links from email to your browser from people you do know.
7. If you are using a web browser from a public computer (not your own computer), like the ones you find at an Internet Cafe, do NOT put any passwords or personal information into the browser. The information could get logged and saved to that computer.
8. And remember... if it looks to good to be true, it probably is.