Security and Privacy

< TechFAQ

Are you putting things on my machine that I don’t know about?
No, Computing Services is not. However, at times a machine will retreive auto-updates from Microsoft (if you are using Windows). You may also received automatic updates to virus definitions and software for your antivirus software, which is required on Windows computers at Binghamton University.

What steps do I need to take to secure my data?
One step would be to set up a private password required upon startup in order to login and access the machine. A computer without a startup password is inviting trouble from hackers and other evil-doers.

Does BU provide anti-virus software to faculty, staff and students?
BU has a site license for McAfee Anti-Virus software for Windows and for Virex for Macintosh. We can also provide ClamXAV for the Mac. The software is available at BU ftp site. If you are off campus, you can get to the FTP site through the campus VPN using your PODS or other domain account.

Does BU provide software to protect against spyware and malware?
BU doesn't distribute such software, but Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware are all available on the internet. Wikipedia has several articles on spyware and malware.

What is a Strong password?
http://xkcd.com/936/