1. Windows Security Tech Talk 9/25/07

2. What is a virus?  A computer program designed to self replicate without permission from the end user  The program can simply be annoying (displaying messages), or it can be damaging (deleting files)  A Program written and distributed by a person

3. How do you get a virus?  Documents  Macros  Email attachments  File sharing applications  External disks (CD’s, Flash Drives)

4. What ITS is doing on campus  Scans all email messages for viruses  Protects servers against know vulnerabilities  Operates firewalls and gateways to block virus activity  Freeze public computers to prevent spreading  Installs and configures Sophos Anti-virus on campus computers

5. What is Spyware?  A computer program designed to monitor your activity  The program can collect information silently and then sell that information to advertisers  The program can cause annoying pop up messages and/or redirect your web browser

6. How do you get spyware?  Pop up ads  Attached to freeware or shareware  Almost all file sharing applications come with spyware  Disguised as security software or anti-spyware programs

7. What ITS is doing on campus  Filter email messages known to cause spyware (Postini)  Freeze public computers to prevent spyware  Installs and configures Webroot Spysweeper on campus computers

8. What you can do at home  Run Windows Update to download the latest security patches  Schedule Windows Updates to install automatically to help you remember (control panel)  Turn on your pop up blocker and phishing filter (IE7)

9. What you can do at home  Install anti-virus software Norton McAfee Trend Micro  Keep your software up to date

10. What you can do at home  Install anti-spyware software Webroot Spysweeper Microsoft Windows Defender Ad-Aware Spyware Doctor Spybot  Keep your software up to date

11. What you can do at home  Install a Windows Firewall  A Firewall monitors and restricts information that travels between your computer and the Internet Windows XP firewall (control panel) Norton Zone Alarm

12. What you can do at home  Don’t install programs you don’t need  Avoid freeware programs  Resist pop-up ads that tell you that you won something, or that wants to fix something  Use Junk mail filters on your email