Safe computing has several facets -- following the rules, protecting your computer, and safeguarding both your computer account and your personal information. Remember that you and only you are ultimately responsible for all the usage of your computer and computing account.

Laws, Policies, and Regulations

• Rules & Regulations
  Become familiar with and follow the policies, rules, and regulations for using computer resources NC State.
• Copyright Administration
  Follow the links on this page for information on many copyright issues.
• Copyright Infringement
  This page provides answers to questions about infringement and links to additional information.
• End User License Agreement (EULA)
  Most software has one of these, and you must agree to it before you can install the software.

Your Computer

• Antivirus
  As a student, faculty, or staff member, you can download free software to guard against viruses and similar threats, including spyware. See NC State Antivirus Resources for details.
• Antispyware
  Some reputable programs are free downloads from the Internet. Be sure to keep definitions updated at least weekly.
• Operating system
  Make sure your system is set to download and apply all updates and patches automatically.
• Applications
  Install patches for vulnerabilities in applications such as MS Office and Internet Explorer as soon as they are available.
• Firewall
  This helps protect your computer from intrusion by hackers. Your operating system may have one built in, or you can download a free reputable one from the Internet. See also the Wikipedia entry for Firewall.
• E-mail security
  Never respond to any request for your Unity ID and password; all such requests are fraudulent. Beware of attachments and links inside messages. Also see Personal information (below).
• Infected downloads
  Beware of free or low-cost programs that may contain hidden electronic threats. Some of these can use your computer as a robot, forcing it to steal personal information from other computers. They slow down your processing and can also damage your files. Check the Internet carefully for information on a particular program before you install it.
  CAUTION: Some software that claims to remove viruses and spyware will actually install them.
• Instant Messaging
  Chats and other instant messages are vulnerable to viruses. Don't click on links inside them.

Your Computing account

• Your Unity ID
• Your Unity Password
  • Choose a strong one.
  • Don't write it down.
  • Don't share it.
  • Don't let anyone watch you type it.
  • Change it often. You will need a current password in order to use certain services and resources through the MyPack Portal.
• Log out
  Before you leave a computer unattended, especially in a computer lab, be sure to log out of your account.

Your Personal information

• Phishing
  Some phony e-mail messages "fish" for your personal information and will try to tempt or scare you into providing it. Don't respond to them.
• Vishing
  Vishing messages are like phishing ones but involve the use of voice communication instead of or in addition to e-mail.
• Identity theft
  Don't store sensitive information on your computer; e.g., Social Security number, passwords for online banking and other services.
• Internet fraud
  Learn about the various schemes being perpetrated on the Internet and how to protect yourself from them.
• Social networking
  Don't put any pictures or messages online (e.g., FaceBook, Myspace) that you wouldn't want published in a newspaper. For more information, see "Social Networking On and Beyond Campus" in the Fall 2009 issue of Computing@NC State.
• Hard drive cleaning
  Before you discard your computer, erase the hard drive with special software. See the Data Removal Information Home Page for details.