Ideas For Students

Securing your computer is very much like taking care of your bike. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure that your computer is as safe and secure as your bike in UC Davis!

RUN ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE

To avoid computer problems caused by viruses, install and run an anti-virus program. See the Software Licensing website for more information.

BACKUP YOUR FILES

Reduce your risk of losing important files to a virus, computer crash, theft, or disaster by creating backup copies. You can backup your files using a CD, flash drive, external hard drive, or an online files storage service.

Cloud storage Choosing a service

INSTALL OS/SOFTWARE UPDATES

Updates (or patches) fix problems with your operating system (OS) and software programs. Set up your computer to do automatic updates to make sure your computer stays protected.

Windows Mac OS X

PROTECT LOGIN/PASSPHRASES

Create strong, complex passphrases that vary across your various login accounts. Don't share your passphrases, and always make new ones difficult to guess.

How to Protect Passphrases and Passwords

TURN ON FIREWALLS

Personal firewalls are protective barriers between computers and the Internet, allowing only the network traffic you permit. Check your computer's security settings for a built-in personal firewall. If you have one, turn it on.

BEWARE OF SPYWARE/ADWARE

These sneaky programs can gather your personal web information without your permission. Use programs like Spybot and Ad-Aware to scan and remove spyware and adware from your computer.

Tips for Avoiding Spyware

PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

Protect account numbers, Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, and other personal information. Be wary of sharing personal information through your social media accounts, which can be used to answer your online verification questions.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

USE TRUSTED RESOURCES

Be careful when you share your personal information or make an online purchase. If you receive a call from a trusted resource (bank or police) asking you for your personal information, ask for their contact information. Call their department to verify their request and then reach out to them again.

Phishing Scams