Keep your Windows or Mac operating system up-to-date
Computer viruses and worms frequently exploit vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows and Mac operating systems. Learn how to get Mac and Windows updates at www.bc.edu/security: Windows | Mac OS X
Don't click on links in email or Instant Messages that you are not expecting
Links in email and IM can be used to spread computer viruses to your computer and others on the BC network.
Don't use peer-to-peer file-sharing applications
Those who illegally share or download copyrighted material such as MP3s are subject to legal and disciplinary action. Don't risk it! Four BC students have already been served with lawsuits by copyright holders. In addition, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs such as KaZaA, Gnutella, and Limewire should not be used on computers on the BC network. P2P applications can leave your computer open to threats including violations of copyright laws, viruses, and other malicious software that goes undetected by anti-virus software, as well as password and data theft.
Don't leave Windows log-in passwords blank
Every Windows computer has an Administrator account. Administrator accounts often arrive from the manufacturer with a "blank" password. Be sure to set a password for this account. If you leave the password blank you are leaving your computer open to viruses and hackers!
Protect your computer from spyware
BC recommends that students download and install Spybot and Ad-Aware. Download these anti-spyware tools for free at: www.bc.edu/spyware
Protect your personal information
Be extremely wary of entering personal or financial information online - identity theft scans are a growing problem. You will never receive an email from BC requesting you username and password. Learn more at: www.bc.edu/security
Back up using MyFiles@bc
Use MyFiles@bc, your BC Web storage at www.bc.edu/myfiles, to back up your computer files. You have 100 MB of disk space on MyFiles@bc that you can use for storing files, sharing digital photographs, and collaborating on documents for group projects.
Recommended browsers
Boston College strongly suggests that users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) switch to another Web browser because of "significant vulnerabilities" in technologies included in IE. To limit exposure to security vulnerabilities, we recommend that you use a Web browser other than IE. ITS recommends that you download and install FireFox. You may find that IE is still required for some sites on the Web. While ITS understands that it is inconvenient to switch between browsers, doing so will contribute to increased protection for your computer.