Helpful information

Secure computing

Identity theft

California is the first state to have an agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the privacy rights of consumers. The Office of Privacy Protection [1] provides information on how to prevent identity theft and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft.

Basic laptop security

Know the risks. Laptop computers are targets for theft. Avoid leaving your laptop unattended, especially at school, in the library, or even in a locked office overnight. Backup your data on a regular basis, using an external harddrive or optical disks, and then secure your backup data. Install and use anti-virus software and firewalls, keeping these products and your operating system (e.g. Windows) up-to-date with the latest versions and patches. Never store sensitive data (e.g., bank account numbers, date of birth, social security numbers) about yourself or others on your laptop. Use password controlled access to your laptop and shut down (turn off) your computer when not in use instead of leaving it in sleep mode.

Security awareness videos

Here are two winning entries in the Security Awareness Video Contest sponsored by the EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force, the National Cyber Security Alliance, and ResearchChannel.

     Protected [2] by Nichole Bennett, Donna Prince, and Alex Rower (Central Ohio Technical College)

     Identity Theft for Criminals [3] by Scott Polcyn and Daniel Garcia (University of Central Florida)