Securing Devices

Computer and data security is each person's responsibility. Make sure that your personal computers, the computers you are using or managing on campus, as well as the data they contain are secured at all times when connected to MITnet (learn more about MITnet and its open network).

An unprotected computer is especially vulnerable to cyber attacks, spam, or other threats that can compromise a user's identity or undermine the security of a computer's hardware and data. Even before you arrive on campus, make sure that your computer will be as safe as possible from viruses and other malicious programs that are rampant on the Internet.

Tips and Best Practices
Most of the security problems with computers stem from common mistakes users make or precautions they don't take. Writing down passwords, clicking on links or attachments in shady emails, or walking away from a computer with the screen unlocked are just a few. Prevention can be easy. Start today by applying the top 10 safe computing tips.

Viruses, Spyware & Malware
If you arrive on campus with a computer infected by a virus, or if it becomes infected after arrival, you may lose access to the network or your data may be at risk until the problem is resolved. This can take hours, endanger your personal documents, and require you to reformat your hard drive and reinstall your operating system and all your applications from scratch. Can you recognize the symptoms of malware? Learn what you can do to avoid an infection.

Patches & Updates
Many viruses, worms, and other malware exploit software flaws on your computer in order to do their work. Although you may not think patching is critical when a computer seems to be working fine, over time these flaws can leave the door open for malware to come in. Knowing how to patch your computer automatically while at MIT can prevent major headaches.

Firewalls
Firewalls are built right into a computer's operating system and by default should be turned on. But how the firewall is configured determines the computer's defense against unwanted incoming connections. Do you know how to check your firewall's settings?

Backing Up Important Files
Computers are fragile machines and can be easily destroyed in a fire or other catastrophe. They can also be stolen or lost. To prevent losing your personal or critical data, back it up on a regular basis. MIT offers Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM), which allows you to back up to and restore files from a secure server. Use this option or find out other ways to back up your files.

Loss & Theft
A stolen computer or hard drive containing important or sensitive information can spell disaster for you as an individual, or for the Institute. Learn some important tips about securing your computer physically and what to do if loss has occurred.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones today have larger flash drives and can contain more data than ever before. Plus, smart phones enable you to store files, emails, and other personal or business information right onto the device. Hundreds of thousands of mobile phones are lost or stolen in the US every year. Here are some best practices for securing mobile phones.

Tips for Traveling
The number of laptops lost or stolen at US airports is reported to be in the hundreds of thousands per year. When you're traveling and taking your computer or smart phone with you, be aware of the risks and the precautions you can take to avoid becoming a statistic.