Data Security Software

1. Anti–Virus Software
2. Data Encryption Software
3. Firewalls
4. Spyware

Security software includes firewalls, anti–virus software, and anti–malware software that are available for your laptop or desktop PC.

Anti–Virus Software

Antivirus software searches your hard drive for any known or potential viruses.

For instructions on downloading and installing Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition, visit the symantec website at www.symantec.com and select the instructions for your operating system.

Data Encryption Software to Protect Data

Protecting data has become increasingly important to CSUN; staff, faculty, and students all must take steps to ensure that important data is maintained in a secure environment. SPAM, phishing scams, hacking software, viruses are a few examples of how information can be stolen if it is not protected.

To prevent confidential, sensitive and personal information becoming available to unintended or unauthorized individuals it is important to secure your data. Data encryption is one effective solution to protect sensitive files, applications, residual information and even operating system.

You can purchase data encryption software through vendors online or in your favorite technology store.

MySecureDoc:

Full disk encryption software application designed to run transparently with Windows Vista/2000/XP/2003. While thoroughly encrypting all residual data, temporary files, paging files and hidden partitions, SecureDoc use the AES 256-bit encryption algorithm to encrypt the entire hard-drive where every byte is encrypted. It offers Pre-Boot login, which authenticates a user before Windows even starts. This provides a greater protection to disk data, by encrypting the operating system.

Please visit www.mysecuredoc.com for more information.

Firewalls

Personal Firewalls

There are many personal firewalls available for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. A personal firewall is a software application used to protect a single Internet–connected computer from intruders. Personal firewall protection is especially useful for users with  DSL or cable modem connections to the Internet.  The firewall controls Internet connections to and from your computer, filtering inbound and outbound traffic, and alerting you if there is a security issue. The following is a list of well known firewall software packages:

• ZoneAlarm
• Norton Personal Firewall

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall watches inbound connections and ignores outbound traffic. This option will not protect against data loss if a malicious software program is installed. You may want to purchase a third party firewall software package in addition to the Microsoft option.
For more information on Windows XP Firewall check the Microsoft website www.microsoft.com.

Before selecting a firewall software package you can research available options and features. You can check resources such as, Home PC Firewall Guide, and Firewall.net.

Spyware

Spyware or tracking software is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge.  People use this technology to collect information about users and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can be installed inadvertently as a virus or as the result of installing a new program.

Spyware can monitor keystrokes, scan files on your hard drive, snoop on other software applications, read cookies, and install other spyware programs, etc. In addition to the privacy concerns, spyware can also use up your computer's resources and network bandwidth, causing your computer and network connection to be unstable or crash.

Software programs that help combat spyware and tracking software that you can install are Spybot–S&D or Lavasoft Ad–aware.

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