D.I.Y. Checklist
Quick and Easy
Ongoing Tasks
Advanced Tasks
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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Information Security
Do-It-Yourself Checklist
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Quick and Easy
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Screen Saver Password
- Configure a screen saver password to prevent
unauthorized access to your computer when you are away from
the console.
Use Strong Passwords
- Use strong passwords to protect the data on your
computer. A number of techniques exist to break into
computers with weak passwords.
Antivirus Software
Remove Nonessential Software
- Installing any software on your machine opens avenues
of attack into your computer. So, it is highly
recommended that you remove any software from your computer
that is not essential to performing your work-related
responsibilities.
Request an Audit of the Computer or Computers in Your Office
- Contact the iTech Security Services administrator to
schedule an audit or consultation to help identify
information security related issues in your
office.
- E-mail infosec@usm.edu or call 266-5889.
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Ongoing Tasks
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Antivirus Software Update
- Verify that your antivirus software is updating
properly. Antivirus software uses an catalog of known
viruses to scan your computer. If this catalog is not
updated on a regular basis, your computer will not be
protected from any new viruses that are created (multiple
viruses are released every week, so going more than a few
days without an update puts your computer at significant risk
for virus infections).
Update Your Operating System
- Check your operating system for any needed updates on
a weekly basis.
- Instructions for the most common operating systems
are available at the InfoSec Resources page
Update Applications
- Update any applications on your computer. Check for
updates to any applications on your computer at least once
per month. For details, visit the application's Web
page and look for patches or updates.
Use Common Sense
- Do not open e-mail attachments or run programs that
come from unknown sources or that appear in an inappropriate
context.
Beware of Social Engineering
- Check credentials of anyone asking for information
about any Southern Miss computing or network resources or
requesting confidential information - particularly if the
request is made over the phone.
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Advanced Tasks
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Audit All User Accounts
- Check the privileges of all user accounts on your computer.
- Remove all unused accounts and remove unneeded privileges from active accounts (monthly).
Audit All Shared Resources
- Identify and check the configuration of all shared
folders on your computer. Improperly configured shared
folders are a common source of virus infections and in
extreme cases may allow anyone on the network to delete all
the files on a hard drive (monthly, or any time shared
folders are added or removed).
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