Computer Security

Preventing and Detecting Unauthorized Use of Your

Computer

Computer Security• Is the process of preventing and detecting

unauthorized use of your computer• Prevention measures help you to stop

unauthorized users from accessing any part of your computer system.

• Detection helps you to determine whether or not someone attempted to break into your system, if they were successful, and what they may have done.

Computer Security at School

Windows L

+ L

Windows L

• Use this keystroke EVERY TIME you leave your classroom.

• Why?– Only you or a network administrator

can access the workstation.– Prevents unauthorized attempts to

access your computer.

Passwords

• These are the keys you use to access any information you have stored on our network or any other network.– Z Drive– Infinite Campus– K12 E-mail

Passwords

• What makes a strong password?– Make it lengthy.– Combine letters, numbers, and

symbols.– Use words or phrases that are easy

for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.

Passwords

• Create a strong, memorable password in 5 steps:– Think of a sentence you can remember.– Check if the computer supports the pass

phrase directly.– If not, convert it to a password.– Add complexity.– Finally, substitute some special characters.

Passwords

• Password strategies to avoid:– Avoid sequences or repeated characters.– Avoid using only look-alike substitutions of

numbers or symbols.– Avoid your login name.– Avoid dictionary words in any language.– Avoid using online storage.– Use more than one password everywhere.

Passwords

• One last note:– Do not ever give out your password in

an e-mail!• No one affiliated with the State of South

Dakota or Lead-Deadwood School District will ever ask for your username or password via e-mail.

Preventing Unauthorized Use of Your School Computer

• Use your login for your machine.• Use the student login for student

machines.• Do not let a student use a machine

that you are logged into currently.• Why?

Computer Security at Home

Types of Computer Security

• Data Security• Personal Information or Break-In

Security

Data Security

• Avoid losing information stored on your computer when something unexpected happens by:– Backing up your data (files, pictures,

videos) on a flash drive, CD, or external hard drive.

– Use surge protectors.

Personal Information Security

• There are a variety of methods, that when used together, can keep your personal information safe.

Personal Information Safety

• Keep your firewall turned on.• Use updated antivirus software.• Use updated antispyware technology.• Perform basic computer maintenance.

– Install updates• Don’t open files from strangers.• Password protect your computer.

Antivirus and Antispyware

• Norton, McAfee, Symantec– Be sure to install updates every

month or more frequently.

• AVG• AD-Aware• CCleaner