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