It seems that more and more frequently, we hear about some new virus, trojan, worm or other malicious agent that attacks Windows-based computers, starting up when you open email attachments or attacking your operating system directly. Not just an inconvenience, an attack can cripple your own computer and can often cause considerable damage to other PC's as well. Worse, a virus, trojan or worm could be used to steal personal information.
Fortunately, Computing and Network Services makes it easy for you to keep your Windows operating system up to date. CNS also provides free antivirus software to all York faculty, staff and students.

How easy is it to keep your PC protected? As easy as 1-2-3. CNS has developed a Microsoft Windows Security Essentials 1-2-3 Checklist, and following the basic steps will ensure that your PC, whether on campus or at home, is protected against viruses and other vulnerabilities.

1. Passwords
   It is important to choose a password that will not be easily guessed CNS provides guidelines for choosing secure passwords. In general, you should choose a password that is at least 8 characters long and which uses a combination of letters, numbers and other symbols. For details, see the 1-2-3 Checklist.
   
   
2. Windows Security Updates
   Use Windows Update to ensure that your computer is running the latest service pack and all critical updates. Note that for office computers, faculty and staff should contact their local technical support personnel for assistance in setting up Windows Security Updates. If you are using a computer on campus which is not managed by technical support personnel, or for your own personal computer at home, see the instructions for Using Windows Update which are part of the 1-2-3 Checklist.
   

   Manual updates
   You can update your Windows operating system manually when a new security patch is released if you are using Windows 95/98. Go to the 1-2-3 Checklist and follow steps 1 through 10.

   Using Automatic Updates
   If you use Windows 2000 or XP, you can also choose to have your system updated automatically, and inform you when new updates from Microsoft are ready to download and install. Using automatic updates will ensure that your computer's Windows operating system is being updated as soon as a new security update has been released.

   If you are using a University computer, follow the 1-2-3 Checklist instructions for automatic updates using the York University Software Updates Service (SUS). Computers in residences on campus are considered as your own personal computer and users should follow the instructions below.
   
   If you are using your own personal computer, follow the detailed instructions in the 1-2-3 Checklist to set up your Windows operating system for automatic updates. Note that as you are setting up your computer to update automatically, you may see the option to "Automatically download the updates and install them on the schedule that I specify". If that option is present, choose it. If it is not present, choose "Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.

3. Symantec Anti-Virus with LiveUpdate
   All faculty, staff and students may install and use the Symantec Anti-Virus software on their computers on campus and at home. Note that for office computers, faculty and staff should contact their local technical support personnel for assistance in setting up Windows Security Updates. If you are using a computer on campus which is not managed by technical support personnel, or for your own personal computer at home, see the website for installation instructions at: http://infosec.yorku.ca/FAQ/using_sav_live_update.html.
   

   Once you have installed Symantec Anti-Virus software, you will need to return to the webpage above for instructions on configuring the software to update daily. Note that if you have a dialup connection to the internet at home, you will need to select a time of day when your computer is normally connected to the internet in order for the update to occur.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Windows Security Essentials 1-2-3 Checklist or about Symantec Anti-Virus with Live Update, please contact the CNS Helpdesk at helpdesk@yorku.ca or ext. 55800.

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