Passwords, PIN numbers, key cards, and anti-virus software – these are just a few of the words and phrases used when referring to safeguarding our computers.  These days there are many factors to consider when protecting your data and it can sometimes be confusing and even frustrating.  It is important, however, to remember that these tools are there to protect your personal data.  Here are some suggestions for securing your computer.

Passwords
Think of your password as a virtual key to prevent intruders from entering your computer domain.

      Some basics about passwords:

The UTSA Office of Information Technology recommends that when you create a password “avoid tie-ins to the account owner such as user name, social security number, nickname, relative’s name, birthdates, etc.” Your password must “contain at least 8 characters including a mix of upper and lower case characters and have a least 2 numeric characters.” They also recommend that you include special characters (such as $, !, #). 

Encryption
Disguises information as “cipher text” or unintelligible data to prevent unauthorized access.

All employees with a university-owned laptop containing sensitive data are required to install SafeBoot, a data encryption software package.  SafeBoot protects the PC by taking control of the hard disk from the operating system and encrypting all data written to the disk.  SafeBoot can be ordered by sending an email request to the Help Desk.  There is a $20 fee for each installation.

Laptop Locks
Anytime you step away from your laptop computer for a period of time, the computer becomes vulnerable to theft.  Consider purchasing a laptop lock through any office supply catalog.

Anti-Virus Software
At UTSA, the computers are imaged with the most up to date virus protection software.  If you work on your home computer, it is important to purchase anti-virus software to protect any work or personal documents.

Timeouts
Review the timeout setting for your computer.  Consider setting your timeout after 3 to 5 minutes of inactivity and requiring the user to enter his or her password to access the computer.

All of these are good tips for improving information security at your work station.

Need more information?  Visit the Information Security website at http://www.utsa.edu/infotech/Security/.

Site Reference:
Tony Bradley, CISSP-ISSAP, “About.com” Creating Secure Passwords: Tips for Creating Strong Passwords you Can Remember, n.d. http://www.netsecurity.about.com/cs/generalsecurity/a/aa112103b.htm (1 February 2008)