UNM gave information Tuesday about how students, staff and faculty can keep their computers safe as part of Computer Security Day. The event, which was part of the national computer security month, featured presentations from UNM's Information and Technology Services.
Here are some tips to keep your computer safe:
1. Change passwords every 30 to 60 days. "As often as you change your toothbrush," said Rosemary Barrett, one of the speakers and support analyst for the services.
2. Be careful about giving out personal information such as credit card and Social Security numbers.
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3. Be cautious about using file-sharing software. Courts can charge up to $150,000 in damages for each copyright infringement. The software can also allow outside access to files that the user did not want to share.
4. Many free programs contain spyware or adware, which record personal information and create unwanted pop-up ads.
5. Update operating systems, Web browsers and anti-virus software regularly. Hackers exploit security flaws in old software.
6. If a virus infects your computer, unplug it from the Internet before completing a full virus scan.
Source: UNM's Computer Security Day and the National Cyber Security Alliance
