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Computer Security Advice

Viruses, worms, trojans and other malware pose the biggest security threats to computer users today. They spread easily between unprotected computers. PCs running peer-to-peer software are most at risk. Google and Yahoo! style toolbars are also routes in for this kind of malicious / malware software.

Protect Your Computer

Install a good anti-virus / anti-malware program and enable your own firewall.   It is also important to keep up to date with patches and updates for the operating system. These important security patches repair flaws in the operating systems which may allow your computer to be vulnerable to any kind of malware.

Read the webpages of Cyber Sercurity @ Cambridge​.

Hoaxes

Never believe the emails which circulate asking for bank details. Your bank will never ask for personal information via e-mail. If you are in any doubt, contact your bank by phone using the number provided on their official website, rather than any contact information provided in the e-mail.

Another common hoax is an e-mail or browser pop-up informing you that your computer has been infected with viruses or spyware and to click a link to download some software to remove them. An e-mail or browser pop-up cannot have gathered information about the state of your computer and these links more often than not are links to viruses or spyware. Only trust information about viruses or spyware from your virus scanner or spyware scanner. If in doubt, contact an SCO or Computer Officer for confirmation.

More information

University Information Services website has more detailed information on viruses and security issues.

Questions?

If you have any questions about security or viruses please e-mail the helpdesk

 

Page updated 22nd January 2019