Protecting Your Device

Use Strong Passwords for Your Devices

Use strong and unique passwords on your devices. Use a combination of symbols, numbers, and uppercase and lowercase letters. The longer your passwords are, the better. See links below on how to change your passwords/screen locks on the most common operating systems.

1. 1. 1. 1. For Windows

         2. For macOS

         3. For iOS

         4. For Android

         5. Always lock your devices with a password if you’re going to leave it unattended.

Shut Down/Restart Your Devices Daily

These practices can help clean temporary data and prompt system or critical software updates:

1. 1. Always shut down your laptop or desktop after use.

   2. Restart/reboot your devices on a daily basis.

   3. Do not leave your laptop/desktop on Sleep Mode for a long time.

Update Your OS Regularly

Keep your operating systems updated. See links below on how to update the most common operating systems.

• • • For Windows

    • For macOS

    • For iOS

    • For Android

Install an Antivirus

1. 1. Antivirus software helps protect your computer against malware and cybercriminals. It seeks to block or remove malware as quickly as possible. (Source: us.norton.com)

   2. Ensure that your university-issued device has an antivirus software installed. In order to get a licensed copy, you may send an email to itrmo@ateneo.edu or call local 4185.

   3. Make sure your antivirus is updated and active.

Here’s an example:

For Eset users, click on the small icon on the task bar to view its status as seen below:

4. When your antivirus detects a threat, it will give you a notification depending on the threat.

Do Not Install Unlicensed Software

1. 1. Remove old and/or unused programs. These programs only clutter your device and could even pose to be a security risk especially if it’s not up to date.

   2. Do not download unlicensed/pirated/cracked software. These softwares secretly create backdoors to bypass security measures and expose your device to viruses and hacking.

Ensure Your Connection is Safe

1. 1. Avoid connecting to unsecured open (public) Wi-Fi hotspots, i.e. those that do not ask for a password.

   2. Connect only to trusted WiFi Networks/hotspots

   3. Ensure that the site you are trying to access is secure. To do this, look for the following indicators:

Ensure Your Connection is Safe

1. 1. Avoid connecting to unsecured open (public) Wi-Fi hotspots, i.e. those that do not ask for a password.

   2. Connect only to trusted WiFi Networks/hotspots

   3. Ensure that the site you are trying to access is secure. To do this, look for the following indicators:

Scan removable devices upon plugging

Flash drives, memory cards, external hard drives - these devices need to be scanned upon plugging into your device. These devices can contain malwares, viruses, and other hacking tools that can be used to compromise your device’s security.