How to keep your computer secure

One technology writer described computer security as meaning that you can rely on your computer to behave in a predictable fashion. Many things can reduce this reliability, from unauthorized access (hacking/cracking), incorrect file access permissions, corrupted data, viruses, worms, "trojan horses", adware and spyware.

You will most likely have several passwords to manage your accounts:

• Your PC or Mac local account
• Your Psydomain (Active Directory) account on Windows PCs
• Administrator password for installing and configuring software
• Your e-mail account on psy.ucsd.edu, psy2.ucsd.edu, popmail.ucsd.edu, etc.
• Campus password for wireless access, library databases, and other campus resources
• Department file servers

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

There are a large number of viruses and worms in the Windows environment, fewer for the Macintosh.

• Viruses - these programs infect a computer by "infecting" another program or document
• Worms - these programs spread themselves over a network through e-mail or other file transfer methods
• Trojan Horses - malicious programs that are disguised as useful software in order to get you to install them

Spyware and Adware

Spyware monitors your activity at the computer and reports it to a third party.
Adware is software that puts advertising in front of you without your requesting it, via the Web or other means

Network Security Standards

Every computer or device which is connected to the campus network must meet certain minimum security standards, including password protection, anti-virus protection, and recent operating system updates which patch security holes.

Server and Firewall Policy

Psytech can set up and administer servers for your office or labs, located either in your space or Psytech's server room.