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Computer Security
General Information about Computer Security
VirusesViruses are computer programs that replicate copies of themselves. Transmitted from one computer to another on floppy diskettes, as email attachments, or directly over a network connection, viruses are designed to interrupt computer and network resources. Network viruses can infect the memory of machines resulting in a flood in network traffic which can cause slowdowns and even complete network failure. Personal Firewalls
A personal firewall is traditionally a piece of software installed on an end-user's PC which controls communications to and from the user's PC, permitting or denying communications based on a Security Policy. Spyware
Spyware consists of computer software that gathers information about a computer user and then transmits this information to an external entity without the knowledge or informed consent of the user. Golden Gate University Spyware Information
What is spyware?
Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. You might also agree to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.Other kinds of unwanted software will make changes to your computer that can be annoying and can cause your computer slow down or crash. These programs have the ability to change your Web browser's home page or search page, or add additional components to your browser you don't need or want. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also often called spyware.You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer if:
- You see pop-up advertisements even when you're not on the Web.
- The page your Web browser first opens to (your home page) or your browser search settings have changed without your knowledge.
- You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't want, and find it difficult to get rid of.
- Your computer takes longer than usual to complete certain tasks.
- You experience a sudden rise in computer crashes.
Spyware can be installed on your machine without your knowledge in many different ways. Spyware is often a part of free software downloaded from the Internet. Spyware can also be downloaded by visiting websites. Some websites try to automatically install spyware as soon as you visit the webpage. Most of the time a Security Warning, like the one below, will pop up. Most people disregard this and click "Yes". By doing so, you could be infecting your computer with spyware.
How to protect yourself from Spyware?
The best defense against spyware and other unwanted software is not to download it in the first place. Here are a few helpful tips that can protect you from downloading software you don't want:
- Only download programs from Web sites you trust. If you're not sure whether to trust a program you are considering downloading, contact our Help Desk at x7070 or enter the name of the program into your favorite search engine to see if anyone else has reported that it contains spyware.
- Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
- Never click "agree" or "OK" to close a window. Instead, click the red "x" in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 buttons on your keyboard to close a window.
- Be wary of popular "free" music and movie file-sharing programs, and be sure you clearly understand all of the software packaged with those programs.
If you need assistance removing spyware software, please contact the Golden Gate University Help Desk at 415 442-7070. Please note that in some instances spyware programs may not be easily removed from the workstation and a reimage of the workstation would be necessary. GGU Network Access
Failure to install updated anti-virus software may result in restrictions to your network access.
Technical Support
To recieve technical support visit one of the following locations, email help@ggu.edu, or call 415-442-7070.Monday to FridayUniversity Library Front Desk - 10:00am to 6:00pm
Classroom Technology Services Room 460 - 10:00am to 10:00pm
Law Library Lab - 10:00am to 6:00pm
Recommended Commercial Products:
For latest versions, please go to the websites of your anti-virus and install the updates.
