To protect your computer against viruses and security breaches, download and install anti-virus, anti-spyware, and other security software. Make sure you have the latest version of these programs and your virus definitions are set to update automatically. Run a full scan of your computer every month.

• Install and update VirusScan 8.x for Windows
• Install & configure Spybot Search & Destroy
• Install & run Ad-Aware
• Check out our Supported Software & Downloads for Windows page for additional security applications.

Software developers routinely release patches and fixes that cover known security vulnerabilities. Always update your software (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, etc.) when prompted.

• Update Your Operating System: Security breaches occur most often on systems that are not up-to-date. Use Windows Update - an application that searches for and installs Windows updates.
• Use Secunia PSI: Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) scans your computer for outdated software and provides you with information to keep your programs up-to-date.
• Keep Your Web Browser Up-to-Date: Your Web browser is one of the most important programs on your computer and often a conduit for security attacks. Always run the latest version of your chosen Web browser. Our Supported Software & Downloads for Windows page lists OIT-supported Web browsers and links to their latest versions. See your browser's Help section for information on how to update it.

User Accounts control access to your computer and limit the type of activity that you can perform. Follow the tips below to secure your computer:

• Create a Limited User Account. Many users log in as 'Administrators' for every computer session. While administrative privileges are necessary for software installation, viruses and trojans are most harmful when entering via an Administrator Account. We recommend that you always log in with a Limited User Account for everyday use, even if you are the only person using your computer.
• Set up a password for the Administrator Account. Most hacked computers have either a poor password or none at all on the Administrator Account.
• Require a user name and password for all users. Make sure everyone who uses your computer needs a user name and password to log in.
• Disable Guest Accounts. Intended for temporary users, Guest Accounts are an easy point of entry for hackers. We recommend that you permanently disable them.

The process for setting up User Accounts varies depending on your version of Windows. See the Windows Help documentation for specific instructions. To get started, go to Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.

The User Account Control (UAC) feature in Windows Vista can help stop malicious programs from making changes or even installing themselves to your computer. To make sure UAC is on:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > User Accounts. The User Accounts window will open.
2. In the User Accounts window, click Turn User Account Control on or off. The Turn User Account Control On or Off screen will open.
   Note: You may be prompted to confirm this action and may even have to enter your administrator password. Follow the prompts to continue.
   
3. On the Turn User Account Control On or Off screen, check the box next to Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer, then OK. After you restart your computer, UAC will be enabled.

Remote Assistance is a Windows XP feature that allows remote access to your computer, commonly for troubleshooting purposes. To disable Remote Assistance and prevent others from taking control of your computer:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > System.
2. In the System Properties window, select the Remote tab, then click Settings.
3. Make sure the check box next to Allow users to connect remotely to this computer is not selected and click OK.

UMASS-SECURE1X is a more secure, convenient, and faster way to connect to the campus wireless network. To connect, you must first configure supplicant software on your computer. OIT provides supplicant software at no cost for Windows computers. Connect to UMASS-SECURE1X

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
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Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.