Ten Steps to Safer Computing
Keeping your data safe from various risks--hardware failure, theft, accidents, and prying eyes--is key to protecting the integrity and confidentiality of your information. With 10 simple steps, it's easy to develop good habits that will keep your data safe and secure:
- Don't store confidential data on your computer unless you must. You should never store any Reed confidential data on a personally-owned computer.
- If storing confidential data on your computer is necessary, delete it (securely) as soon as you're done with it.
- Confidential data stored on your computer should be encrypted.
- Data on your computer should be backed up frequently and the backup should be kept in a secure location.
- Passwords should be at least 8 characters long, should include letters, numbers, and special symbols, and should be managed carefully. For more information on making strong passwords, see our page here.
- Whenever possible, do not store confidential information on handheld devices. If you must do so, see the IT recommendation.
- Do not send confidential information via email.
- Take appropriate precautions to avoid viruses, worms, and other attacks on your computer.
- Set a password to wake your computer from sleep or screen saver mode. Do not set your computer to automatically login.
- Take appropriate measures to protect your computer from theft. If you have a laptop, use a security cable during business hours and lock the laptop in a secure cabinet at nights and over the weekend.
Contact Computer User Services (or ACS for administrative staff) with any questions.