Know The Threats
Information Technology Services at Eastern strives to provide you with the most secure network possible. A safe computing environment at Eastern is dependent on the vigilance of both the ITS staff and the employees and students who access the network. There are a number of steps that you can take to help protect your privacy and ensure the
safety of your computer.
- Hacking: Malicious individuals may exploit the security breaches in your computer software in order to steal your personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Hackers may also attempt to secretly install programs on your computer designed to abuse your Internet connection.
- Malware: Malware is a term used to describe any kind of malicious software that proves detrimental to your computing experience, such as viruses and worms.
- Viruses: Computer viruses are programs that install themselves onto a computer for the purpose of damaging computer files and copying themselves to other computers.
- Worms: Computer worms are typically installed when a user opens an infected e-mail attachment or clicks on an Internet link to an infected Web page. Worms scan electronic address books on your computer for the purpose of sending copies of themselves to other people.
- Adware: Adware programs are installed on your computer for the purpose of displaying advertisements in separate pop-up windows.
- Spyware: Spyware programs utilize your machine resources and Internet connection in order to relay information about your Web browsing habits to a parent company.