Cybersecurity
Securing Your Devices and Information
Visit the Federal Trade Commission's for excellent information concerning online privacy, protecting your devices from hackers and threats, and avoiding common online scams.
Antivirus
Antivirus software should be installed and up-to-date on computer and mobile devices that are connecting to the BSC campus network.
is included with Windows 10 and 11. When no antivirus program is detected, Windows Security is .
Apple's macOS also includes as well.
If you prefer a separate antivirus program, which may have more features than the built-in antivirus, there are a number of good options available, both free and paid.
Please note: Â鶹ÊÓƵ BSC Help Desk is not able to assist with virus removal or provide support on non-BSC owned computers due to potential liability issues such as corrupted files and data loss.
Email Safety
Be cautious of attachments and links in email messages, even if you know the sender. If the sender's account was compromised, their email may be used to send out malicious messages. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments unless you are certain they are safe.
Phishing emails are fraudulent emails with the intent of stealing a user's sensitive information. Neither BSC nor the NDUS would send an email asking you for personal information or ask you to log onto a website to verify your information (those are fake sites designed to steal login credentials).
Update your operating system and software programs
It is important to keep your on your computers and mobile devices. This improves the reliability, security and performance of your device. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities and flaws.
Connect to a secure network
When possible, connect to secure wireless networks rather than public ones. If you must connect to a public network, avoid logging into sensitive sites, such as your bank account. Do not place orders using your credit card when on public networks. Â鶹ÊÓƵ open nature of public wireless can allow someone to snoop on the traffic that is passing through it.
Social Media
Avoid posting personal information on social media sites. Assume that what you post is permanent - pictures, videos and text you post can be saved by others. Use the privacy tools on social media sites to prevent people you do not know from seeing your information. Be selective about who you accept as friends on social networks. Identity thieves may create fake profiles and send a friend request in order to get information about you.
Back up your data
Always back up your data files (pictures, videos, documents, etc.) on a regular basis to an (such as OneDrive). Events such as a hard drive failure, corruption in Windows, or a virus infection could result in data loss on your computer. If you have a Mac:
Be careful downloading software
If you download a software program from the web, be sure you are getting it from the original software vendor's site. Third party sites may bundle adware or other unwanted programs with their downloads.
Keep your popup blocker on
Â鶹ÊÓƵ popup blocker in your browser prevents unwanted sites and ads from coming up. If it is blocking a legitimate site, do not turn off your blocker, instead, add that site as an exception in your popup blocker settings.
Online Shopping
When placing orders online, stick with reputable companies, and opt out of saving your credit card information with the site. Â鶹ÊÓƵ convenience of not having to enter your credit card information each time does not outweigh the risk of the site's databases being breached, and your information stolen. As mentioned before, do not enter credit card information when on public computers or public wireless networks.