Email and Computer Security Tips

Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software must be installed and regularly updated on all computers on the network. If you do not have anti-virus software installed your computer will almost certainly become infected with a virus, your data will be damaged or destroyed, and it will infect other computers on the network.  

Patch Operating System

Keep your operating system as current as possible by checking frequently for any patches or updates to it, and make sure that any services and network applications you run (like a web or ftp server, or web browser or email client) are also kept current. Out of date operating systems, services, and network applications are the most frequently exploited security problem on the Internet. If you need assistance with updating your operating system, services, or network applications contact the Help Desk at 8324.

Disable Unnecessary Services

Disable all unnecessary network services and uninstall all unnecessary network applications, such as a built-in mail server or web server that you do not need, or a media player or file sharing application that you no longer use. These services and applications are easily exploited if a vulnerability is discovered in them, and by disabling unused ones you eliminate this risk. If you need assistance determining which services and applications are necessary, and which you may be able to disable or uninstall, contact the Help Desk at 8324.

Use Strong Passwords

Put strong passwords on all accounts on your computer and put strong passwords on all writeable network shares, including folders shared from your computer and web or ftp servers you choose to run. If you allow write-access to your computer without a password, or with an easy to guess password, someone else will discover your share and fill up your computer with unwanted files, or install applications that allow them to take control of your computer. More information about strong passwords can be obtained in the Information Technology Resources Policies, Etiquette & Rules.

Do Not Trust Attachments

Do not trust any email attachments or downloads you were not expecting, even from people you know, and precede all attachments that you send with a message to the recipient. Only open email attachments that you were expecting from people that you trust, and only download files from reputable sources (files downloaded from peer-to-peer networks or warez channels are especially risky). If you open random attachments or download files from people you do not know, eventually your computer will become infected with a virus or someone else will take control of your computer. If any virus infections are suspected on campus, we will notify faculty and staff members via mass voicemail. If you suspect you have been infected or are concerned about a specific email, contact the Help Desk at xt 8324. 

Note:  Kettering's Information Technology department will never send you an attachment without notifying you first and will not email you to let you know that accounts have been disabled. Also you will only receive emails with a sender of helpdesk@kettering.edu, helpstaff@kettering.edu or an individual email address from our department.