Windows Desktop Security Checklist

Windows Desktop Security Checklist

1. Critical Updates: Microsoft provides a utility that keeps our computers secured with the latest fixes and patches for our operating system/computer. You may have heard through the news about certain forms of viruses, hackers, and other electronic dangers that can take advantage of our computers simply by probing them and looking for vulnerabilities on computers that do not have the latest fixes and patches installed. If successful, this will allow the author of the virus and/or hacker to gain control of your computer, including your data and files. With that in mind, it is important that we keep our computers current with these latest fixes/patches. There are 2 main ways in which we can obtain these fixes/patches with the least minimum effort.

Microsoft provides a website that will scan your computer and look for any updates, patches, and fixes that may be available to your computer. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND; THIS IS THE ONLY LEGITIMATE WEBSITE FOR THIS TO OCCUR. We have seen a few viruses surface that have done an excellent job at pretending to be from Microsoft, but they are not. As always, if in doubt, please contact the Education Technology Center at 865-0626.

Windows Automatic Critical Update Notification: This is a tool that is built into Windows XP operating systems, and can be downloaded and installed on Windows 2000 operating systems and below. Once installed and configured, it will download the updates that pertain to your computer, and install them for you. Minimal user intervention is required. This procedure is highly recommended.

2. Antivirus Software

3. Check/update antivirus virus definitions regularly. Virus definitions that are out of date virus are only marginally better than no virus scanner at all.

4. Secure Your System: Never step away from your computer while logged on. Press [CTRL]+[ALT]+[DELETE] and choose "Lock Computer." When you return to your computer, simply press [CTRL]+[ALT]+[DELETE] again, and enter your UserId and password. This is the same UserId and password that you use to logon to your computer.

5. Password Protected Screensaver: A password protected screensaver is another way to protect your computer if you choose not to use the "Lock Computer" feature as discussed in #4.

Other:

Microsoft Office Product Upgrades - Updates for the Microsoft Office Software Suite.

If you are experiencing a problem with your computer and would like assistance in resolving it, please fill out our Technical Assistance Form, or call 865-0626.

All of our work is governed by Policies, Procedures, Guidelines, and Laws for computing and networking at Penn State University.