FROM THE DESK OF THE INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
It’s
that time of year, the kids are out of school and some of us will be
taking that long anticipated vacation. If you’re like me you’ll
probably want to check your email or surf the internet from time to
time during the family hiatus. There is a good probability this will
involve the use of a public PC in a hotel. Public computers may be
secure, but you really have no way of being sure. When using these
PC’s, protect yourself by following these 3 simple steps.
Erase Your Tracks
When you use an Internet browser, it keeps records of where you
went. When you finish surfing with Microsoft Internet Explorer,
click Tools > Internet Options. On the General tab, click Delete
Files and Delete Cookies. Then click Clear History.
Protect Your Passwords
Browsers can also track passwords. Before going on the Web, if
you're using Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options. On
the Content tab, click AutoComplete. Clear the four check boxes.
When you finish surfing, again click Tools > Internet Options. Go to
the Content tab and click AutoComplete. Click Clear Forms and Clear
Passwords.
Use Common Sense
Approach these machines with care. Don't do any banking transactions
or UTMB business on them if you can avoid it. Avoid credit-card
transactions. If accessing UTMB email through https://webmail.utmb.edu,
be sure to choose the “This is a public or shared computer” option.
If you're just surfing, that should not be a problem, but avoid
sensitive business if you can. Joe Hacker may be watching.
By protecting yourself you protect UTMB
Remember, SECU-R-ITY
Sincerely,
Bob Shaffer
Information Security Officer
IR Security
