In an unpredictable online world, MSU Computing officials hope to give students and staff at least some guidance during October’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Although many students might install the usual antivirus or firewall software, the first line of defense might be thinking before one clicks.
“I don’t do stupid stuff,” dietetics senior Georgiy Datsenko said. “Common sense is necessary.”
During the next few weeks, Academic Technology Services’, or ATS, SecureIT campaign will be tied into the awareness month to inform the community to establish safe and secure computing habits — especially while using the Internet — and provide free computer “checkup” services.
Employees of MSU Computer Help and Repair will sponsor laptop checks and distribute free T-shirts between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday next week and Oct. 25 in numerous residence halls, said ATS spokeswoman Beth Bonsall in an e-mail.
A full list of locations for free computer check-ups and more information can be found at
computing.msu.edu.
The free service also is offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in room 120 of Computer Center if students cannot attend any of the dates.
“SecureIT is trying to bring awareness to the importance of safe computing and the resources available on campus to help students keep their computers healthy,” Bonsall said in the e-mail.
During the checkup service, laptops’ operating systems — a Mac or PC — will be visually inspected to determine its integrity.
A virus scan also will be conducted on the computer.
Besides receiving a virus on the Internet, students should be aware of “phishing” attacks — online scams involving e-mail messages appearing to be from a trusted source, Bonsall said.
“Getting a virus, responding to a phishing attempt or illegally sharing copyrighted files are probably the largest threats to students,” she said in the e-mail.
In addition to viruses and spyware, computer users should be aware of invasions of privacy on social networks, said Nora Rifon, a professor of advertising who researches consumer privacy and online safety.
When on Facebook, check the privacy settings to be sure all information is not on display to the online world, she said. “The best thing someone can do is No. 1 — get educated,” Rifon said.
“These are very serious threats. I would suggest prevention is the best medicine and if you’re really stuck, ask some friends and check out the university resources.”
“I don’t think you can be completely safe online,” Rifon said. “You can only do your best to protect yourself.”
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