Tips and Tricks for Everyday Computing

Security Tips

USERNAME AND PASSWORD

Never share your username or password with someone who requests it via email. Only give your password to an IT Help Desk Technician, and only if you have submitted your computer for repair.

Try to avoid writing down passwords. If you feel like you must do this, be sure to keep this information in a secure location when it is not in use. For password management and electronic keeping, please submit a ticket.

ANTI-VIRUS

Users on Microsoft Windows must run a real-time anti-virus program in order to connect to the network. Users may use other anti-virus solutions, provided that subscriptions are up to date. Users should run only one real-time anti-virus program; running more than one can create problems. A regular weekly scan is recommended.

Recommended anti-virus software:

Avast Anti-virus (The free version will satisfy PC requirements.)

Malwarebytes (Only the paid version will satisfy PC requirements.)

Microsoft Security Essentials (Free with Windows 10 and newer)

Mac- and Linux-based systems are not required to run an anti-virus program. Mac users, however, should know that viruses and malware can infect their computers.

Do not install any anti-virus program that appears via pop up while you are browsing the Internet. People have infected their computers by opening a fraudulent offer of a free anti-virus program. Scams usually prompt the user via a “pop-up window” which appears while browsing the Internet, informing the user of a purported infection, and offering to install software to repair it.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a particular anti-virus program, please contact us.

FRAUDULENT EMAILS

Beware of opening links or attachments in emails that ask you to log into a system to repair a problem, correct a bank error, or respond to a government warning. Go to the site by searching for the company or typing a known URL rather than clicking on a link in an email.

If you are receiving these types of emails; there is a possibility someone else on the network is too. We want to be proactive in these situations to avoid security issues. Make sure to report the email as spam/phishing through your work email and contact us immediately at support@9gbtech.com or visit the Help Desk, during business hours.