Computer Security

With the proliferation of computers in the past few years, it is helpful to review some basic tips regarding computer security. The following will help protect your work:

1) Always backup your data. This is the single most important step that can be taken to protect your work from any type of disaster (whether criminal, fire, or accidental). Update your backup any time you have made significant changes to your files (daily or weekly, depending on your workload). We recommend two things when backing up:

· Use durable media to backup whenever possible. Durable media includes CD-ROMs, which can be washed off if they become covered with smoke, dust, etc. The cost of software and equipment for making CDs has now dropped to below $200, with a cost of less than $1.00 per blank CD.

· Store the backups in a protected area. There are fire safes designed specifically for protecting computer data. If possible, a copy of the backup should also be stored off-site. If you work with sensitive or classified data, keep your data restrictions in mind.

2) Use virus protection software. Computer viruses will continue to be a major destructive nuisance for the foreseeable future. The best protection is a virus protection program (such as Norton Anti Virus or McAfee Anti Virus) that is always running on your computer. These will check anytime you insert a new disk into a computer, as well as when you start to download e-mail. In the past, sharing floppy disks was the most common way of spreading a virus. Now, viruses can even be found on CD-ROMs.

3) Protect your passwords. Both hacking and identity theft (where someone else uses your name and financial history to charge purchases back to you) are easy when someone gets your computer passwords. You are encouraged to use passwords that combine both numbers and letters, and that are not obvious (avoid your phone numbers, address, spouse’s name, dog’s name, etc.). Also, do not share your password with co-workers, or post them on your monitor, under your keyboard, or in a desk drawer. One common method of obtaining passwords is to call a department secretary and claim to be a computer or network technician. The “technician” then asks for the password to allegedly confirm it is still valid, or provides a “new” password that you should start using immediately.

4) Beware of DISAPPEARING hardware. The conveniences offered by laptop computers (and desktop computers with cases that have “easy-off” access panels) also make it easier for thieves to take your “stuff”. Never leave a laptop unattended in an area that others have access to, and keep your office locked when you are not there. If you share office space, you may want to consider using case and laptop “locking cables” to make it harder for someone to take your laptop or computer parts (like memory or video cards).

5) Turn off file sharing (and your computer) when not needed. This will reduce the possibility of someone logging into your computer over a network.

While it is impossible to guarantee the safety of your computer, these steps will help reduce the possibility of loss from theft, fire, or accident. It will also make it easier to pick up from where you left off if such a loss does occur.

Check our website for past crime tips by logging onto www.nmsupolice.com.