| Protecting private information | | | | unattended. Don't store keys in easily accessible areas. |
| Information is the lifeblood of most, if not all, modern | | | | Protecting Your Computer And Its Information |
| organisations, so protecting (this) information against | | | | Simple steps to protect your computer and its |
| unauthorised disclosure, modification or erasure is a | | | | information: |
| basic requirement of management. Executives and | | | | * Lock down PCs, laptops, PDAs, flat panel displays, |
| staff in all organisations rely on the timeliness and | | | | printers, and other high-value items. |
| accuracy of information in order to operate in the | | | | * Avoid allowing strangers or visitors to use your |
| most efficient and effective manner. Increasingly, with | | | | computer. Be aware of who can see your screen, |
| advances in technology, there is the danger that this | | | | especially when viewing sensitive information. |
| information may be unavailable or may be corrupted, | | | | * Create strong passwords or pass-phrases. Use a |
| either accidentally or deliberately. There are frequent | | | | combination of letters and numbers, and don't use |
| reports of computer hacking (unauthorised access to | | | | dictionary words. |
| computers), viruses and other disasters that can | | | | * Change your passwords when prompted by the |
| affect information such as fires, power failures or | | | | system and never share them or write them down. |
| simple human error. | | | | * Avoid discussing confidential information, accepting |
| What Is Sensitive Information | | | | downloads or authorizing transactions or payments on |
| Sensitive information can be many different kind of | | | | IM, IRC or other chat programs. |
| information, like: | | | | * Privacy and confidentiality of email messages is not |
| * Name, address, phone number | | | | guaranteed. Information can be opened or read by |
| * Date of birth | | | | someone other than the intended recipient. Exercise |
| * Social Security Number (SSN) | | | | caution in using email to communicate confidential or |
| * Credit card numbers | | | | sensitive information. |
| * Driver's license number (DL) | | | | * Use only approved and necessary software |
| * Banking and financial information | | | | applications. |
| * Medical information | | | | * Make sure anti-virus software is installed on every |
| * Employment/education information | | | | computer you use. |
| * Patient, Student and Faculty records | | | | * Make a backup copy (to a removable disk or flash |
| * Grades | | | | drive) of your most important files and store the |
| * Intellectual property (your creation) | | | | backup in a safe place, preferably in a different |
| * Proprietary information (unique data) | | | | location. Backup your files at least on a weekly basis. |
| * Trade secrets (Coke) | | | | * Delete files you no longer need. |
| * Passwords and access codes | | | | * Don't accept unsolicited downloads. |
| Protecting Information In Your Office Area | | | | * Don't use P2P or file-sharing systems. |
| A few basic steps to secure information in your office: | | | | * Log off when not using your computer or at least |
| * Documents that include sensitive information need to | | | | use a screen saver that requires a password. |
| be secured during printing, transmission, storage, and | | | | * Turn your computer off when leaving for the night. |
| disposal. | | | | * Follow all LTS and University IT policies and |
| * Don't leave paper documents containing sensitive | | | | procedures regarding information technology security. |
| information unattended. Credit card slips or paper | | | | Immediately advise an LTS supervisor of any |
| checks should not be sent through intercampus mail. | | | | suspicious activity on University computers. |
| * Be aware of the potential of others to overhear | | | | Protecting Your Trash Can |
| sensitive information. Don't discuss confidential | | | | Also be careful with your Trash can: |
| information outside of the office. | | | | * Avoid careless disposal. Shred any discarded |
| * Verify identities of all visitors and escort them; verify | | | | materials containing sensitive or confidential information. |
| identities of those requesting sensitive information. | | | | * If you find sensitive information carelessly discarded |
| * Lock your office, desks, and file drawers when | | | | in a public place, notify your manager. |