The modern internet is plagued by security concerns, and nowhere is that more apparent and relevant than here at the UA. Because we offer high-speed ethernet connections to so many customers, our network is an ideal environment for viruses to spread with alarming quickness, creating a very hostile habitat for unprotected computers.

When you agree to the UA Acceptable Use Policy for Computers and Networks, you agree to take appropriate security measures to protect both your computer accounts and your personal computers in the following ways:

• Choosing strong passwords for computing accounts
• Keeping personal account information and passwords private
• Installing and maintaining an anti-virus solution on your personal computer
• Keeping your operating system current with security patches

For more info view the full Acceptable Use Policy.

Due to the recent increase in virus activity here at the UA, our network security operations team (SecOps), has taken preventative measures to protect the campus from crippling outbreaks. These include:

• Continuous monitoring of all network traffic patterns
• Automatic blocking of computers exhibiting suspicious behavior
• Firewalls preventing external access to non-authorized UA systems

While these measures may seem extreme and unreasonable at times, they exist for the safety of all UA students, staff, and faculty using computing resources, and as such are not flexible or negotiable. If you follow some simple security guidelines in the use of your computer here on campus, you will likely never know that protective measures are in place.

It is also important to note that ResComp, the group that oversees the network to all residence halls, has instituted strict policies concerning abuse of the network, which includes unchecked virus infections. If your computer is a continual source of virus issues you may be suspended from the campus network, or even evicted from the campus residence halls. For more information checkout the FAQ concerning Rescomp's virus warning policy. Again, these measures may seem extreme, but protecting your computer from viruses is simple and necessary. As before, if you follow the simple guidelines on this page, you will likely never come into contact with these policies.

The University of Arizona encourages and expects students to use our electronic resources to further their education, however, this does not require owning or operating a personal computer on campus. The University operates computer labs in various locations around campus (OSCR open-access labs, Information Commons) and many departments have computing resources specific to their students, staff and faculty. If your network access is revoked, you are not exempt from reading and responding to approved forms of electronic communication, including e-mail messages.

The University of Arizona recommends that any student intending to bring a computer to campus take the following steps to insure that the computer stays secure and functional.   OSCR will assist students in taking the following measures:

1. Install antivirus software. (and keep it updated!)
2. Install all critical operating system patches.
3. Enable/Install a firewall on your network connections.
4. Scan for spyware and immunize against future infections.

There are many antivirus companies to choose from.  Many new computers come with trial versions from Norton or McAfee, however, these software packages require a subscription in order to remain current with new virus definitions.   If you do not subscribe to their service you will only be protected until your free trial runs out.   Your computer will then be at risk.   Also, itt is important that you have only one antivirus program installed on your computer at any time.   Multiple antivirus programs will leave you no virus protection!

The University of Arizona offers Sophos Antivirus for free download to all University students, staff, faculty and affiliates.   The remote update will automatically update your antivirus software when new files are available.  

• Instructions on download, installation and configuration of Sophos antivirus.    Download guide
• Download Sophos from https://sitelicense.arizona.edu/sophos.

Whatever antivirus solution you choose, you must be sure that it is staying updated.   With the frequency of new and mutated viruses, antivirus companies release updates at least once a week, on average, with some updating every day.   It is imperative that you maintain your antivirus software.   Having an installed, but out-of-date, antivirus program is only marginally better than not having one at all.

Learn more about viruses.

As security vulnerabilities are identified and reported software manufacturers release "fixes".   Nearly all modern consumer operating systems now offer some form of automatic security patching to combat the security concerns of viruses and malicious network attacks.   While the frequency of these updates varies with your OS, it is still important to actively ensure that your OS is staying current.

• Configuring Automatic Updates in Microsoft Windows.    Download guide
• Configuring Automatic Updates in Macintosh OS X.  -coming soon!

A software firewall is a security tool to help limit network traffic to approved applications.   This can prevent some basic virus and spyware infestations and help protect your computer from hackers.   Most desktop operating systems now come with a firewall included.   If you are using an older OS like Windows 95/98/ME/2000, then you will need to install a 3rd party firewall.   OSCR recommends use of the built-in firewall for most users.   If you feel you are a more advanced user and require more flexibilty the University of Arizona has a license for any student, staff, faculty, or affiliate to download a free copy of Kerio Personal Firewall.   This will work for any Windows version newer than Windows 95.   There are also many firewall solutions you can purchase.

• Enabling the Windows XP Firewall.    Download guide
• Enabling the Macintosh OS X Firewall.  -coming soon!

The term spyware refers to a multitude of malicious software programs that can gain access to your computer. Spyware, also known as adware or malware, is software developed by companies or individuals meant to do a number of things including tracking your web site visits and redirecting your web browser searches and homepages to a site of the author's choosing.

A computer infected with spyware can often be easily identified. Standard symptoms include:

• Frequent and multiple pop-up advertisement windows.
• Inability to visit certain web sites or access pages requiring you to log in.
• Severe increase in start up time, often taking several minutes for Windows to be usable.
• General reduction of computer performance often accompanied by additional fan noise on laptops and increased sluggishness in launching and working with software.

These symptoms do not always indicate spyware infestations. However, they are commonly seen in computers suffering infections.

While most groups that deploy spyware programs purport their purpose as harmless and anonymous (meaning your identity is never associated with the statistics reported), the fact remains that spyware infections can and will cripple the usability of a system. Often the software is written so poorly that it causes system instability and serious malfunctions. Spyware is often installed along with free software downloaded from the Internet. Software such as music trading programs and small games can all contain additional installers that place spyware on your system. Unfortunately, this is absolutely legal and legitimate. You can also get spyware by visiting certain web sites. This type of spyware is often installed by an ActiveX control and many unsuspecting users will allow the install by failing to read browser warning messages that ask for permission to install software.

A number of spyware removal tools have emerged to combat this problem. OSCR uses and recommends a combination of AdAware (only free if used on your personal computer) and Spybot Search & Destroy (free for all uses) to detect, remove and prevent spyware from getting installed on your computer.

• Installing and using Spybot Search & Destroy and AdAware. Download guide (pdf file)

Even if your computer is not showing symptoms of infection it is a good idea to install both of these software packages and run scans regularly. In addition to an excellent detection engine, Spybot Search & Destroy also includes an "Immunization" feature that will help prevent spyware infections. An add-on for Internet Explorer that will reject unauthorized downloads is included as well.

There are many other spyware removal tools available including CounterSpy, an anti-spyware program developed by Sunbelt Software. The University of Arizona has been granted a non-commercial site license of CounterSpy. This makes it available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff. The software can be downloaded from the University's Site License web site.

Additionally, many security prevention organizations now recommend finding an alternative to the popular web browser Internet Explorer. A great web browser and one that is highly recommended by OSCR is Mozilla Firefox. Firefox is available as a free download. If you decide to use an alternative web browser it is important to ensure it receives software patches on a regular basis.