TMCnet News
LUC offers advice on keeping online information secure [New Vision (Uganda)](New Vision (Uganda) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The University Information Security Office held a conference Oct. 23, to discuss the best online information security practices for Loyola students. The conference included tips on how to keep your computer physically secure from theft, digitally secure from malware and other dangerous cyber threats, as well as advice on safe web browsing and how to keep your social media accounts safe from potential hackers and stalkers. At the conference, Jim Pardonek, UISO's information security officer and a certified ethical hacker, described how one in 20 computers worldwide are affected with malicious software that can result in identity theft or the potential destruction of your software and/or saved information such as passwords and bank account information. Especially concerning, according to Pardonek, is that 27 million Americans were the victims of identity theft in the last five years. The UISO wants to ensure that no Loyola student might become such a victim and educates students on how and why these attacks happen and how to prevent them. Pardonek said that the most common cyber attacks Loyola students have faced have occurred because students have unsecured computers with no firewalls or anti-virus software installed, have poor passwords, or use unsafe internet browsing practices. Such unsafe practices might include opening email attachments sent by people you don't know or clicking on pop-ups and links while browsing on an unsecured website. According to Pardonek, some of the possible signs that you've been hacked include: fake anti-virus messages, unwanted browser toolbars, redirected internet searches, frequent random popups, unexpected software installations, and worst of all, unexplained missing money from your bank account. Pardonek advocates that such misfortunes can be prevented by what he calls, "ending user apathy." "Keeping your computer clean is not glamorous or exciting." Pardonek said. "People look at performing regular computer maintenance as something you have to do only when someone makes them – just like flossing your teeth or eating your vegetables. … But it needs to be done and makes your life a whole easier once it's done." Keeping your machine is not complicated, Pardonek said. All of the necessary anti-virus can found and downloaded for free at the UISO's website under the "Resources" tab. Pardonek advised that students keep all of their anti-virus software current by consistently checking for updates. Your computer's physical security is also of the utmost importance, said Yuan Liu, UISO ERP security sdministrator and Class of 2013 Loyola graduate. Your stored secure information won't mean anything if your laptop gets stolen or your password bypassed,Liu said. At the conference, Liu presented two videos that show the importance of laptop physical security and password security, respectively. The first video can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he7efftcHQ8&feature=youtu.be. The second can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmOGJVDvJaQ&feature=youtu.be. Brett Weston, UISO security administrator, concluded the conference by offering advice on how to surf the securely and protecting your privacy on social media, all of which can be found the UISO's regularly updated Security Blog. In particular, Weston advocated disabling the public search feature on your social media sites, which allows search engines such as Google to display your profile in searches. Weston also advised that you limit your contact information on your profiles and allow only your friends to access your posts and profile information. Weston advised that students take heed of the dangers described and actively practice the tips offered. "Loyola is attacked constantly, from everywhere, hence our students must remain vigilant," he said. COPYRIGHT (c) 2014 NEWVISION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |