Computer security at NTNU - 4 steps to secure your PC

PC security is more important now than ever. Because of the ever-increasing amount of computer viruses and other forms of computer crimes, it is very important to keep your operating system and virus program updated. Following these four steps protects your PC from internet related threats.

1. Firewall

All computer owners should install a firewall

Examine what firewalls that exist for your operating system and install one that you like. Note: When installing Windows 2000 and XP, installing a firewall is especially important. For an explanation of this problem, read this article: Installing Windows XP/2000. A version of the Kerio Personal Firewall is free to download for students and employees of NTNU in the "fri" folder of NTNUs software distribution system, Progdist. Windows XP and Server 2003 have firewalls integrated part of the operating system. For further explanation, see the following article: Firewall in Windows XP. For other tips concerning Windows operating systems, see Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site.

2. Automatic updates

Make sure that your Operating System updates automatically

Most new operating systems have an option that lets it download updates and patches automatically. Inquire whether your OS has this option. For Windows XP, see the following article: Security patching and automatic update of Windows XP. For tips concerning other Windows operating systems, see Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site.

3. Antivirus

Install an anti virus program and make sure that it is updated with the newest virus definitions.

Here you can read more about the anti virus programs available for students and employees at NTNU (only in norwegian): Anti virus at NTNU.

4. Anti-spyware

Software is often downloaded without the user being aware, often as hidden attachments to software you download yourself. This kind of software, that often gets referred to as spyware or adware, is an increasing problem. Spyware is very annoying and can in some cases harm your computer. We therefore recommend that you install one or more anti-spyware programs, and make sure they are updated with the newest spyware definitions.

For windows users there are two major free alternatives: Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. Microsoft also have anti-spyware software for Windows 2000, XP and 2003 Server: Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware

More information

• http://infoweb.ntnu.no/security. Familiarize yourself with the other articles on Infoweb concerning security.
• https://sikkerhet.ntnu.no. NTNU's offical security homepage. Info on new security patches and updates, and a lot of useful links. Only in Norwegian.
• http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/. Microsoft's own pages concerning windows security.