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One of the most important duties for anyone who uses a computer is often the most neglected - Protecting your data.

December 1st, 1991 is "National Computer Security Awareness Day". Universities and colleges world wide will take part to promote a better understanding of computer security.

Here are some tips for protecting your data whether its on the mainframe or on a personal computer.

 - Change your password today. Choose a password which is not guessable yet easy to remember.  The best trick is to pick two small words and  combine them.  Such as SUNFUN, WANTCAR etc.   Most "hackers" gain access to computers by using easily guessable passwords.  If you are only limited to 3 character passwords - do not use   easy words such as CAT or BAT or your initials.
 - Do not share your password with ANYONE.  Not even to those claiming to be a TA or work for Computing Services.  Never ever, give out your password over the phone

For Personal Computers:
  - Back up your data.    (how long has it really been? )
  - Check for computer viruses.
  - Delete unneeded files.
  - Encrypt sensitive data files.
  - Put write-protect tabs on the diskettes that are not supposed to
    be written to.
  - Eliminate dust from computer areas, including chalk dust.
  - Post "NO FOOD OR DRINK" and "NO SMOKING" signs in computer areas.
  - Change the FORMAT command in DOS to avoid accidentally
     FORMATTING of disk drives.
  - Register and pay for all commercial software that is used on  your system.
  - Register and pay for all shareware that you use regularly.

In the spirit of the day,
  - Help a novice user to back up their files this week.
  - Lock up all sensitive material, either diskettes or hard copies

Your local system administrator or the staff of Computing Services will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Remember - Be security aware - Its your data.
 
 

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