Desktop Security

Free Antivirus Software

• It is very important to keep an updated version of Antivirus running.
• The University of Illinois provides a free Antivirus program to students, faculty and staff.
  
• To Download please go to https://webstore.illinois.edu/Shop/product.aspx?zpid=507
• Select the Antivirus version corresponding to your operating system from the "Product Name" column.
• Click on  
• Log on using your University username and password
• Now click on one more time.
• Click "I Agree" on the End User License Agreement
• Click on
• Fill in the form and click "Next >>"
• Click on the "License and Download" link
• Click on VirusScan 8.7i or latest version available.
• To install simply run the program and select Next and OK on all options.
• You will see a small red and blue shield at the bottom right of your Windows desktop if you installed it correctly.
• To make sure your antivirus is up to date right click on the shield Icon and select Update Now...

Web Browser

• We recommend using FireFox.
  • To download FireFox simply go to http://www.mozilla.com
  • Click on Download FireFox
• Avoid non-reputable websites which let you play games, funny videos or e-cards.
• Do not install a virus scanner unless you downloaded it from the cites webstore.

Email Scams

• The IGB IT office will never ask you for your password via e-mail.
• Do not open attachments from people you don't know (even if you know them, be suspicious if the message content does not make sense).
• Do not open attachments which have extensions .exe .com
• Do not click on links to websites which are not familiar to you. Look at the website address, many times a spammer will use an address slightly different than the real one (Example: http://bankofamerica.blablah.com is not the address for Bank of America, the website may even look exactly like the Bank of America website but your password will be sent to the spammer upon login).

Passwords

• Use a strong password of at least 8 characters uppercase/lowercase/numbers/special characters.
• Do not use your university password to register to other websites such as banks,community forums etc... (If any of those sites get hacked they now have your netid and password and can access your work files, Nessie, email etc...).
• Change your passwords every 6 months (To change your IGB password go here Password Change Form)