Safe Computing Practices

To protect your computer

• Install and use anti-virus software and keep it up to date
• Keep your operating system patched
• Don't open attachments from strangers or attachments from people you know that are unexpected, unusual, or strange-looking
• Don't use Outlook or Outlook Express

To reduce the likelihood of receiving spam and viruses

• Don't forward chain messages
• Don't put your e-mail address on web pages - even those about you
• Don't sign up for surveys, contests, etc. using your e-mail address
• Don't reply to spam you receive
• Don't try to unsubscribe from spam you receive
• On forms requesting e-mail address, use a fake or alternate e-mail address
• Don't provide your e-mail address to anyone you wouldn't invite into your home
• Forward as an attachment any spam you receive to mailadm@uvsc.edu

To protect your privacy and prevent identity fraud

• Don't put Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in an e-mail or in a web form linked to from an e-mail
• Check with your financial institution before going to a website included in an e-mail message

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