University Park, Pa. -- This week, Penn State is launching its second fall computer security awareness campaign and Take Control contest, with an urgent message for students, faculty and staff to "take control" by proactively ensuring that their computers are protected from security dangers such as viruses, worms and other system vulnerabilities.
To encourage University community members to take an interest in safeguarding their computer files, Information Technology Services (ITS) is sponsoring a contest with two digital cameras and several other prizes as incentives. The security awareness contest and campaign features a quiz on five important steps that Kathleen Kimball, director of ITS Security Operations and Services at Penn State, encourages community members to perform to ensure that their computers are fully protected. To enter the contest, go to the Take Control Web site at http://its.psu.edu/takecontrol/ online.
"Internet users need to know how important it is to update their computer systems as a matter of routine and set their operating systems and antivirus software to be updated automatically," Kimball said. "They also need to take an active role in installing current firewall protection, antivirus software and spyware detection software on their computers to help ensure their own safety."
Although completing the five security steps at the Take Control site involves some time and effort, ITS has tried to make the process relatively easy with step-by-step instructions for carrying out each of the security requirements that Penn State recommends. Students, faculty and staff who would like assistance in completing the steps outlined at the site should contact the ITS Help Desk at (814) 863-2494 or (814) 863-1035.
"With the frequency of Internet attacks -- no matter whether you're connected via Penn State or through a commercial provider -- you need to take action to protect your computer and to continuously update that protection," Kimball said. "Don't wait for a warning, because attacks spread too quickly. You need to make proper personal computer security a routine today."
Many people believe computer and network security concerns only relate to viruses, but personal security is equally important, Kimball added. "Numerous types of fraud can endanger computer users on a personal level and e-mail is an extremely effective way to distribute fraudulent messages to potential victims," she said.
For more tips on computer and Internet security, go to Penn State's Take Control Web site at http://its.psu.edu/takecontrol/ and the SOS home page at http://sos.its.psu.edu/ to get the University's latest security updates. In the case of a compromised account or an incident involving sensitive information, call the SOS office directly at (814) 863-9533 during regular business hours. For cases of harassment or direct threats, contact the local police department.