You can never be completely safe online, but to be "safer", follow these guidelines to protect your own computer and data and contribute to a safer network at Columbia University.

Getting Started with Computer Security

See below for more information.

Keep your operating system up to date

Use built-in automatic update features to patch holes in your computer's defenses and fend off network worms.

Use a built-in firewall if it's available

Use a built-in firewall to protect your computer from unknown exploits.

Use Anti-virus and keep it up to date

Use an Anti-virus program and keep it up to date to avoid known viruses, worms and trojans.

Protect your privacy by avoiding spyware

Use Pest Patrol and common sense to avoid popup ads and spyware.

Use strong passwords everywhere

Use strong passwords both online and on your PC to prevent anyone from guessing them.

Protect your password

Keep your identity safe by ensuring that no one else knows your passwords.

Keep your machine physically secure

Take steps to ensure that your computer, and the data inside of it, never falls into the wrong hands.

Don't use filesharing programs

To avoid trojans and legal liability, stay away from filesharing networks.

Be skeptical and avoid "phishing" scams

Protect confidential data by being skeptical online.

Make backups

Even if your computer is lost, you can save your data by making backups.

Send reports of security incidents, attacks, or questions to security@columbia.edu