Information Systems and Communications

Best Practices

Passwords

• Create a password that is hard to guess.
  
• Keep your passwords secret. If you feel that a password might be compromised, change it immediately.
  
• For additonal "Do's and Dont's" for selecting passwords, click here
  
  

• Insure a screensaver that automatically locks your PC if it is left unattended is operational.
  
• With the exception of Help Desk technicians, ensure that you are the only person who installs software on your PC(s).
  
• If you suspect that someone has gained access to your PC without your permission, contact Diane Garrett at ext 7292.
  
• For help with other computer/information security issues, contact your supervisor or Diane Garrett.
  
• Back up sensitive data on a regular basis.
  
• Keep backups in a secure location.
  

• Keep anti-virus software up to date by configuring to accept automatic updates.
  
• Ensure that system scans are scheduled to run automatically.
  
  

• If instructed, install operating system updates in a timely manner (as soon as possible).
  
• Install only software that has been approved by the university.
  
• Abide by all software End User License Agreements, especially the sections concerning making copies of the software and installing the software on more than one machine.
  
• If you download a software package via an Internet connection, always scan the file(s) with your anti-virus software prior to installation.
  
• Keep all receipts and documentation that can be used to show ownership of installed software.
  
• Remove or disable all unneeded services and software packages.
  
• Remember that having administrative rights to a personal computer is a privilege, and you are expected to protect your PC and the UT Tyler network from security risks.
  

Email

• Think Before you Click"
• Never open unexpected email attachments. If in doubt, verify authenticity using the KRESV tests, by phone, or a new email to the sender.
• Never click on attachments or links sent to you in SPAM messages. Many contain viruses, Trojans, and worms as well as track active email addresses for future mailings.
• Be on the look out for Phishing emails. Phishers send spam or pop-up messages claiming to be from a business or organization that you might deal with, for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency, hoping to steal your account names and passwords.
  

Please direct any correspondence regarding security incidents to:
Security@uttyler.edu