Internet Savvy & Safety April 22, 2010 Roger Safian Senior Data Security Analyst

About Me NUIT – Senior Data Security Analyst –Information & Systems Security/Compliance –25+ years at Northwestern NU-CERT –Incident Response Team FIRST –NU’s representative –Former Steering Committee member CIC/Big Ten Security Working Group –Former chair

3 The New Yorker, Vol.69/20, July 5, 1993

General Tips Turn your computer off when not in use –It’s more secure and you save energy Always use the latest version of software –Apply updates when they come out. Use a router, firewall, and anti-virus software Act the same way online as you do in person –Be nice 4

Definitions Malware –Malicious software Scareware –Using intimidation to get you to install malware Spyware –Malware typically related to browsing Phish –Messages, possibly with forged links, trying to obtain information

Comparison The Real World Locked Doors Private Consequences Limited Information Localized Contacts Visual Information Strangers The Virtual World No Doors Limited Privacy Limited Consequences Searchable Databases Global Contacts Questionable Strangers 6

Personal Information Name(s) –Including parents, siblings, etc. Where you live – city or address Telephone Number Birth Date Height and/or Weight Photo School 7

8 Passwords and Security Questions Many attacks involve security questions Choose answers that don’t –What’s your favorite color? Answer: Saturn Make sure you remember the answers Choose strong passwords –Longer is better –Use several character sets Don’t share with anyone –Possible exception: Parents

Bullying Does not need to be physical Are you uncomfortable after reading? What to do? –Talk to an adult Parent, school officials, etc –Tell them to stop Non compliance may be harassment – a crime Treat others the way you want to be treated –Don’t BE the bully 9

Pictures Be thoughtful These images will be around forever Do you want anyone to see that picture? –Your parents? –The President? –Even years later? Don’t share pictures of other people 10

Suggestions Keep your browser up to date –Don’t forget about your OS and AV Never click on unexpected popups Use caution when clicking on links in messages Be aware of where you are on the web Don’t believe everything you see If it sounds to good to be true…

How do I update my browser? IE –Tools/Windows Update Firefox –Help/Check for Updates Safari –Apple/ Software Updates

Other Information If you can, choose a more generic account name –Roger1285 is better than roger1990 or rsafian Don’t forget other online activity –Xbox, PS3, online reviews, forums, etc. 13

Contact Information Roger Safian –(847)