Securing Your FIU Computer

Within the next several months, because of a recent very serious security incident, the UTS Field Team will visit your office and ensure that your computer is virus-free and secure. In performing this clean-up operation, we will:

• Examine your computer for malicious software and remove it.
• Update the operating system, and, if possible enable the Windows firewall
• Enable Windows XP Strong Password Policy. Click here for guidelines for this policy and for other helpful passwors tips.
• Install a Microsoft AntiSpyware tool to protect you from Spyware programs which secretly monitor the actions you take on your PC [See below for more information on this AntiSpyware tool].
• Change the administrator access on your computer to ensure that it operates more safely and securely

In the meantime, it is important for you, the user of an FIU computer, to understand that YOU are the MOST VITAL link in the security chain. Following these tips will help protect your computer, the information stored on it, as well as other users on the FIU network.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SECURE

1. Do not keep any critical information (Social Security numbers, birthdates, credit card numbers, etc.) on your computer or on network file shares (M, N Drive, etc.).
2. Turn your computer off at the end of the day. Lock your computer or enable a password-protected screensaver when away from your workstation.
3. Use strong passwords - visit http://security.fiu.edu for helpful password tips and to see FIU’s password policy.
4. When using your computer, you may be prompted by the Windows Firewall in the event an application tries to use your network connection. Here is an example of an XP firewall message you might see:

Be sure to read the “Name” of the application. Always select “Keep Blocking” unless you know what you are unblocking. Be aware that some applications may not function unless you “unblock” them. If you find that an application you previously used no longer works, contact the UTS Support Center at (305) 348-2284 or your local IT administrator.

Visit the IT Security Website at http://security.fiu.edu for other important IT security tips and information to help you PROTECT YOURSELF AND PROTECT FIU!

Microsoft AntiSpyware Scanning

Wheh he/she visits, the UTS Field Team representative will clean malicious Spyware from your computer by running a deep AntiSpyware scan. Because Spyware can be installed by any number of different software packages, or just by your visiting various websites, it is important that periodic scans be run on your machine to ensure the safety of your system and your computing. These periodic scans may be scheduled, or they may run at your convenience. In any case, running these scans may sometimes produce a significant drain on system resources during the course of the scan, making your system seem sluggish. This is a small price to pay to ensure that your computer is protected; however, there may be times where you do not wish a scan to occur.

•	Use your Mouse to move the pointer over the Abort link, and a hand will appear
•	Click the mouse button one time
•	The following message will appear. Click OK.

At this point, your scan will stop, and you will be able to use your machine with its full capabilities once again.

Running a Spyware Scan
There may be times when running a manual Spyware scan is suggested. You may follow these instructions to do so:

•	Right click on the target () in your system tray (the area of small icons near the clock)
•	From the pop-up menu that appears, select “Run a Spyware Scan”
•	The Microsoft AntiSpyware window will open
•	Click the “Run Scan Now” icon and the AntiSpyware Scan will commence

While you should allow this scan to complete, you may also abort it by clicking the appropriate link and following the instructions that appear on the screen.

If you would like to enable periodic scheduled AntiSpyware scanning of your system, please contact the UTS Support Center via the On-line Services Request System at http://uts.fiu.edu, or at (305) 348-2284, and a representative will be able assist you.

Disabling Microsoft’s AntiSpyware Scan
While it is not recommended, customers may feel it necessary to disable the AntiSpyware scan that might be set to run on their workstations by UTS personnel. These are the steps that will guide you through this process:

1.	Right click on the Microsoft AntiSpyware Target () that you see near the clock.
2.	Select Open Microsoft AntiSpyware
3.	Hover your mouse over the Spyware Scan Schedule link and click with the left mouse button
4.	In the Spyware Scan | Scan Scheduler screen, select Disable Schedule
5.	Click the Update Schedule button
6.	Click OK
7.	Select File | Close