Lockdown: Students' Computers Can Easily Be Protected by Using a Firewall

Passwords, e-mail messages, credit card numbers: students’ most important information is easily accessed when they don’t take proper security measures.

Vinayak Tanksale, instructor of computer science, says that he sees computer hacking on Ball State University’s campus often. It appears to be a growing trend this year, according to Tanksale. Just during lunch in the Atrium, a dozen or more students could be hacking into fellow students’ accounts.

Tanksale says that students’ wireless connection is not secure unless they take the measures to protect it. He says that the information is just out in the open for anyone to click on and retrieve, unless a firewall is used to protect it.

Even though it is becoming more prominent, computer hacking is not a new fad. The knowledge and technology has been around for quite some time, according to Tanksale.

Because of this, Ball State has gone to great lengths to ensure that students on campus have access to programs and software that will help keep their connection secure. According to Tanksale, University Computing Services has done a great job in curbing the problem.

“As the number goes up, Ball State has been keeping up and has even been a step ahead in most cases, when it comes to stopping the problem,” Tanksale says.

Students at Ball State can download and install Symantec AntiVirus to their computer. It can be used for both Windows and Macintosh, but the software can only be used while students are enrolled at Ball State.

“Ball State has everything in place to make the network secure,” Tanksale says.

These are simple steps students can take to keep their information safe:

1. Invest in a firewall, anti-spyware software and anti-virus software.

2. Keep your operating system and web browser up-to-date and familiarize yourself with its security features.

3. Choose passwords that are at least eight characters and include number or symbols. Never share passwords and avoid using common words.

4. Be aware of who you're dealing with. Look up reviews of Web sites, call the seller's number to ensure it is valid, and use tools that alert you if a Web site is untrustworthy.

5. Secure your wireless Internet.

6. Use security software that updates automatically.

7. If you are involved in file-sharing, make sure the transfer is trustworthy.

8. Never share personal information online unless you are sure it is with a trustworthy party.

Tips source: www.onguardonline.gov/topics/computer-security