Cyber Security

The Information Security Office wants to make your computing experience as safe, reliable and available as possible at school, work and home. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and we want to take this opportunity to provide you with information and tools to accomplish that goal.

Protecting yourself and CSU, Chico from cyber threats is everyone's responsibility.

Viruses, Trojans, and Worms, Oh My!

Every week, thousands of attempts are made to infect your computer with worms and viruses.

Tip : Be sure you have up-to-date antivirus software on your personal machine.

On Campus Faculty, Staff, and RESNET student machines have virus software provided that automatically updates.
Home users should purchase and install an antivirus program on their computer.

Tool : Home/student computer – check out these free virus scan services from McAfee or Symantec

Tool : Both Apple and Microsoft provide tools to automatically update their operating systems.

On Campus Faculty, Staff, and RESNET student machines are configured to automatically have their operating system updated.
Home users should configure their computer to perform automatic operating system updates

Setup Mac OS X updating

Verify you have the latest Windows updates

Your Password is the key to YOUR information

Password and identity thieves in cyberspace could cause more then just your computer to come crashing down.

Keep your portal and network passwords safe.

Tip : Do not use dictionary words, keyboard sequences, words spelled backwards, or foreign words.

Tip: Do make your password easy for you to remember. Pick letters from a phrase that's meaningful ("Do you know the way to San Jose ?" could be D!Y!KtwTSJ?).

Tip: Never write down your password where someone could see it.

Tool: Faculty and Staff – You have a new tool for password self-service.

Visit Chico Password Station at password.csuchico.edu

Beware of E-mail Scams

If an email looks fishy, it's probably “Phishing”. Phishing is email that appears to be from banks, eBay, or even the campus asking for your personal information.

Tip: Listen to your inner voice. Do not let curiosity get the best of you. Do not take the bait.

For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission website on phishing .

Protect your Identity

Certain Web sites attempt to plant “bugs” on your computer that collect information about you – including passwords – without you knowing it.

Tip: Never download an application or click on any link about which you are uncertain.

Tool: Download free copies of Ad-Aware and Spybot to keep spying eyes from spying on you.

A good source for spyware utilities and information can be found at spywareguide .

Protect yourself from the Big Bad Web!

These days, Web sites, email attachments and even links on instant message can expose you to all sorts of creatures from cyberspace. Don't let attackers take over your computer.

Tip: Think before you click.

Tip: Be sure your home computer has up-to-date antivirus software installed. (See Above)

Tool: Home computer – check out these free virus scan services from McAfee or Symantec .

Tool : Both Apple and Microsoft provide tools to automatically update their operating systems.

(See Above)

The call is coming from inside the house…

Social Engineering is when hackers call, email or show up at your office to hijack your computer. In may cases they will appear helpful or have urgent needs. Typical scenarios are an e-mail from “IT” performing account maintenance or showing up to inventory or work on your computer.

Tip: Do not give out your password over the phone.

Tip: Call your supervisor, User Services (Faculty and Staff support at x6000), or Student Computing (Student support at x4357) to help determine if the situation sounds right.

Tip: Report suspected attacks to the Information Security Office x6212

For more information and security tips from Information Security Office please visit our website.

For further information on National Cyber Security Awareness Month please visit StaySafeOnLine.org .