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50 Ways to Participate in Computer Security

The following list comes from the Association for Computer Security Day website. The official Computer Security Day is November 30th, but you can get a jumpstart on computer security by participating in one or more of the following items in the list:

1. Display computer security posters.
2. Present computer security briefings.
3. Change your password.
4. Install virus protection software. When installed, set the software to scan your files and update your virus definitions regularly.
5. Show computer security videos, films or slides.
6. Protect against static electricity.
7. Modify the logon message on your computer system to notify users that Computer Security Day is November 30.
8. Vacuum your computer and the immediate area.
9. Clean the heads on your disk drives or other magnetic media drives.
10. Back-up your data. (after being certain that it is virus-free.)
11. Delete unneeded files.
12. Initiate or participate in a computer security poster design contest for next year.
13. Demonstrate computer security software.
14. Publicize existing computer security policy.
15. Issue new and improved computer security policy.
16. Declare an amnesty day for computer security violators who wish to reform.
17. Announce COMPUTER SECURITY DAY in your newsletters.
18. Examine the audit files on your computers.
19. Verify that the "Welcome" message that is normally used on your computer is appropriate for your organization.
20. Write-protect all diskettes that are not to be written to.
21. Take the write-protect rings out of the tapes in your library.
22. Verify your inventory of computer applications.
23. Verify your inventory of computer utilities and packaged software.
24. Verify your inventory of computer hardware.
25. Install and inspect power surge protection as appropriate.
26. Install fire/smoke detection and suppression equipment in computer areas.
27. Eliminate dust from computer areas, including chalk dust.
28. Provide dust and water covers for personal and larger computers.
29. Post "No Drinking" and "No Smoking" signs in computer areas.
30. Develop a recovery plan for all computer systems that require one.
31. Verify that passwords are not "Posted" and all other keys are secured.
32. Verify that backup power and air conditioning fit your needs.
33. Have a mini training session to provide all computer users with a basic understanding of computer security.
34. Verify that all source code is protected from unauthorized changes.
35. Verify that each computer has trouble log and that it is being used.
36. Verify that appropriate off site storage exists and is being used.
37. Remove all unnecessary items such as extra supplies, coat racks, and printouts from the computer room.
38. Select a computer system on which to perform a risk analysis.
39. Begin planning for next year's COMPUTER SECURITY DAY.
40. Choose strong passwords and create a different one for each important account. To help you remember, pick one that create a mental image or is an acronym for something only you would know.
41. Protect the computer on your store-and-forward phone message system.
42. Hold a discussion of ethics with computer users.
43. Volunteer to speak about computer security at a local computer club or school.
44. Collect Computer Security Day memorabilia to trade with others.
45. Register and pay for all commercial software that is used on your computer.
46. Register and pay for all shareware that you use regularly.
47. Install all security-related updates to your computer's operating system.
48. Help a computer novice backup their files.
49. Protect all cabin computers from floating droplets of liquid.
50. Plan to attend a computer security meeting or seminar.

Add to this list! Let us know how you have participated in computer security.

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