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The following are some measures for protecting your computer at home and office. Before taking the measures, you should read our recommendations on "Steps for checking and removing a computer virus/worm" to ensure that your computers are now virus-free.
       
1. Follow the University Software Standards
2. Install anti-virus software
3. Install anti-spyware
4. Set personal firewall
5. Update windows and update latest patches
6. Set strong passwords
  6.1 Ways of changing Windows XP passwords
7. Separate use accounts with no admin right in a shared computer
8. Prevent virus infections and clean it from USB drives
9. Disconnect from the Internet when it is not in use
10. Further suggestions
 
     
1. Follow the university software standards
  DON't run or install unnecessary or unknown software such as Foxy. Observe and follow the University Software Standards.
   
2 Install anti-virus software
 

CUHK staff and students can download free anti-virus software through any campus network connection. If you are going to use your subscribed ISP for the download, please make it over a VPN connection.

   

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3. Install anti-spyware
 

Spyware is a software programme installed in your computer without your knowledge or permission. It gathers information about your computer usage and send it back to a central database where your information may be used to benefit cyber criminals.

A good anti-spyware scans your system regularly. It can identify and remove any installed spyware. It can also warn you when you are prompted by a suspected spyware installation.
Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1 is a recommended anti-spyware programme. Detail please refer : http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx

   
   
4. Set personal firewall
 

Installing personal firewall software can help you to block hacking and intrusion. Windows XP SP2 users can use the equipped Windows Firewall features. Please get the details at Enable firewall feature in Windows XP/Vista.

   
5. Update windows and update latest patches
 

Windows and all software require regular updates. Updates can improve security and reliability of your computer.

  a. Install Windows updates software from the Microsoft download site regularly by
   
Demonstration: How to use Windows Updates (Flash animation)
Click tools and then Windows Update in Internet Explorer.
Choose Express to get the most important high-priority updates.
     
  b. Turn on Automatic Updates using your settings in Control Panel
   
Windows will automatically find and install high-priority updates for any Microsoft products that you have installed and that are supported by the website. You only need to visit the Microsoft Update to check for optional updates for your software and hardware.
Demonstration: Setting up Automatic Updates (Flash animation)
   
   
6.

Set strong passwords

 

Don't overlook the importance of passwords. Strong passwords can prevent unauthorized access to your computer and applications such as e-mail accounts, and e-banking accounts by others. Please refer to the Guidelines for setting a strong password for details.

  6.1. Ways of changing Windows XP passwords
   

Passwords add a level of security to your computer. When sharing a computer with others, your customized settings, computer programs and system resources are more secure when you assign a password to your logon name or user account.

Here are the procedures to change user passwords in Windows XP.

a. Click Start -> Control Panel
b. Open User Accounts in Control Panel
c. Under “or pick an account to change“, click your account
d. Click Change my password
e. Type your current password in Type your current password
f. Type your new password in Type a new password and Type the new password again to confirm
g. You can type a word or phrase to use as a memory aid for the new password in Type a word or phrase to use as a password hint
h. Click Change Password
   
7. Separate user accounts with no admin right in a shared computer
   
8. Prevent virus infections and clean it from USB Drives
   
9. Disconnect from the Internet
  When you are not using your computer, please disconnect it from the Internet to avoid hacker attacks.
 
10. Further suggestions  
  Please refer to the The DOs & DONT's checklist for protecting your digital data for details.
 
     

 

Need Help?
For comments and enquiries about this service, please write to the ITSC Electronic Helpdesk at
http://helpdesk.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk