Personal Computer Security Guide

Overview:

All computers and other electronic devices that connect to the campus network must comply with the established UW-Madison Security Policies. For a more complete discussion of computing security visit the DoIT Security web (http://www.cio.wisc.edu/security/)

This document is a quick reference to the primary security tools recommended for personal computers used by all UW-Madison faculty, staff and students when connecting to the campus network. At a minimum, all such computers must run the latest security-related patches and up-to-date antivirus software. See Policy on Electronic Devices (http://www.cio.wisc.edu/policies/devices.aspx) for more policy details, and Secure Your Computer (http://www.cio.wisc.edu/security/secure) for more security options. To maintain a secure computer, and do your part in keeping the UW computing environment safe, use the following security solutions available to you as a UW-Madison faculty, staff or student.

For assistance with Operating System updates, Symantec AntiVirus and other security software issues, contact the DoIT Help Desk 6am to 1am, 7 days per week, at (608) 264-HELP, help@doit.wisc.edu, or Online Help (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu).

NOTE: If you have departmental IT staff supporting your computer, consult with them before downloading or installing any of these products. Otherwise, your actions could create conflicts with protections already in place.

Operating System Updates (Windows and Mac):

Campus policy on electronic devices connected to the UW-Madison network states that you must keep all operating system software, device firmware, application software and other software current with the latest security-related patches from the vendor. Microsoft and Apple are continually checking for and discovering new vulnerabilities in their operating systems and releasing patches to keep their users secure. Either manual or auto update checking for new patches once a week will go a long way towards keeping your computer, and everyone else on campus, safe from attacks.

Windows Update Document

Mac OS X Update Document

AntiVirus software (Windows and Mac):

Campus policy on electronic devices connected to the UW-Madison network states that you must run up-to-date antivirus software. We have a site license for Symantec AntiVirus software products. The most current versions include Symantec Endpoint Protection for Windows (SEP) and Symantec AntiVirus for Macintosh (SAV), both with free updates and virus definition updates for every UW-Madison student, faculty, and staff. Other Symantec AntiVirus products are also available on this site for older systems.

Download (http://www.cio.wisc.edu/security/antivirus.aspx) (high-speed Internet access highly recommended) these Symantec AntiVirus products, or pick up a free Security Starter Software CD at the DoIT Tech Store (http://www.doit.wisc.edu/about/hours.asp).
Install Symantec AntiVirus following the on-screen instructions. More detailed instructions at DoIT Help Desk's SEP on Windows Vista Installation Instructions (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=7157), SEP on Windows XP Installation Instructions (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=7157) or SAV on MacOSX Installation Instructions (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=7709).
For more assistance with Symantec AntiVirus, contact the DoIT HelpDesk.

Firewall software options (Windows and Mac):

Computers should be secured with software firewalls whenever possible to prevent unauthorized access from remote computers, as well as to help inhibit the spread of viruses.

For most typical campus network users, the Windows Vista, Windows XP and MacOS X built-in firewalls are adequate. But if you don't use these operating systems or you would just like more configuration options and flexibility you may want to consider purchasing a firewall product. If you are not certain what's best for you, contact the Tech Store Showroom at (608) 265-7469 (5-SHOW) or showroom@doit.wisc.edu.
For more assistance with configuring and troubleshooting Windows or MacOS X built-in firewalls, contact the DoIT HelpDesk.

AntiSpyware software (Windows only):

Many computer owners are unaware of another source of invasive software generally referred to as Spyware, Adware or Malware. Learn more at Spyware FAQ (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1886) and DoIT Security web (http://www.cio.wisc.edu/security/secure/spyware.aspx). To protect your personal information and eliminate other adverse affects of spyware on your computer's performance, we recommend using Symantec Endpoint Protection for Windows (SEP) which includes spyware detection and remediation capabilities. If you are still experiencing spyware issues, we recommend you install additional antispyware software products such as those identified in the above Spyware FAQ (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1886) and our Virus and Spyware Removal Guide. (http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=6649)

WiscVPN software (Windows and Mac):

WiscVPN is software that establishes an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the campus network to allow you to remotely access campus-restricted network resources when off campus. To learn more, visit the WiscVPN site (http://www.doit.wisc.edu/network/vpn/faq.asp).

Download (http://www.doit.wisc.edu/network/vpn/) and install WiscVPN software. For more detailed instructions, select the Directions for your operating system from the WiscVPN site (http://www.doit.wisc.edu/network/vpn/).
For more assistance with WiscVPN, contact the DoIT HelpDesk.

For more information and advice about securing your computer, contact the Tech Store Showroom at (608) 265-7469 (5-SHOW), showroom@doit.wisc.edu or visit us at 1210 W Dayton St. during normal business hours, 7:45am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Keywords:	personal departmental security Update virus download antivirus anti-virus Norton Symantec Firewall spyware VPN incoming freshmen freshman student new computer software antivirus/spyware anti-virus/spyware anti-spyware antispyware	Doc ID:	3653
Owner:	Howie M.	Group:	Showroom
Created:	2005-04-19	Updated:	2009-09-04
Sites:	Help Desk, Showroom

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