Common Sense Security Tips

Personal Information Security Tips

1. Protect all Social Security Number and credit card information
   • Avoid storing paper copies or computer files that include SSN or credit card information.
   • If you must hold paper copies, store in a secure location.
   
   
2. Use strong passwords
   • Don't use passwords like “open”, “password”, or “123”.
   • Change passwords for sensitive account often.
   • Use Microsoft's Password Checker to test your passwords.
   
   
3. Don't use Microsoft Internet Explorer for general web browsing
• Use Firefox on Windows and Apple computers or the Apple Safari browser.
• Firefox is free and more secure.
• Download Firefox at http://www.mozilla.org/


4. Be careful when clicking on pop-up windows, banner advertisements, or email attachments
• Your web browser or web plug-ins may be vulnerable to attack.
• Watch out for PHISHING sites which masquerade as official sites to get confidential information.


5. Stay away from high-risk web sites
• Don't visit unknown or suspicious web sites


6. Never give personal information over the telephone to anyone who calls you
• Demand a corporate number and call back.


7. When working from home, use the USC campus VPN connection
• VPNs encrypt information that passes through the Internet.


8. Never save SSNs or business account numbers in files on your office PC or notebook
• SSNs and names are high-profile targets for identity theft.


9. Don't enable auto-login passwords for any web account on your notebook
• If your notebook is stolen, your email or web accounts are compromised also.


10. Protect your Credit Card numbers
• When at a check out counter, don't let the person standing behind you see your card.
• When ordering on-line, your web browser should display a https:// secure site URL.


11. Shred all paperwork that contains personal or business information
• Paper copies disposed as trash could be used for identity theft.


12. Don't write passwords on sticky notes attached to your computer monitor
• Anyone with access to your office space can see this information.


13. Secure notebooks in a file cabinet or desk drawer when not in use
• A thief can steal a notebook from an open office in 10 seconds.


14. Be careful when sending email with attachments
• Inspect attachments for any confidential information just before sending.


15. Heed all ZERO-DAY threat announcements on the news networks
• ZERO-DAY security threats are those released with no warning.
• Install ZERO-DAY updates as soon as they are available!

1. Install Operating System Updates
• Don't trust automatic updates from Microsoft or Apple.
• Know how to manually update your Windows and Apple computers.


2. Install Application Updates
• Always keep programs such as Acrobat, Quicktime, etc. up-to-date.


3. Install and update Virus Protection
• USC has a Trend Micro site License agreement. Use It!


4. Install and update Anti-spyware programs
• Install anti-spyware programs such CCleaner and Spybot.
• These programs are free.


5. Lock down your home wireless access point
• Use WEP or WAP encryption.
• Change your SSID.
• Change the default administrator password.
• Contact the store or manufacturer for assistance.


6. Don't disable Microsoft Windows Firewall
• If disabled, your computer is more vulnerable to attack.