Laptop Security

Laptop Security Guidelines

When using a university laptop, please follow these guidelines for maximum security.

• Use a complex password that is difficult to guess. Passwords should consist of letters, numbers, and/or special characters. Read more about passwords.
• Do not save your password (do not check "remember password") in any window if prompted.
• Do not write down your username or password anywhere.
• Always keep your laptop in sight when traveling or when you are in public areas.
• Keep data stored on laptop to a minimum (always have a backup copy).
• Always physically secure your laptop if leaving it unattended.
• When using a wireless network always use the ISU VPN connection.
• Always shut down your laptop when not in use.
• Do not download and install software to the laptop without first contacting ATS.
• Make sure your laptop is up-to-date with the latest patches and anti-virus definitions.

Manually Applying Windows Critical Updates

1. Connect your laptop to the Internet either by a dial-up connection or by Ethernet (you will know you are connected if you can browse the web).
2. Launch Internet Explorer.
3. Select "Tools" > "Windows Update" from the menu bar. Install the Windows Update Client if prompted.
4. Click the "Express Install (Recommended)" link and your computer will be scanned for updates.
5. Apply all critical updates except for Windows Service Packs by clicking on the "Install" button.
6. Click the "Restart Now" button once finished if prompted to reboot your laptop.
7. Go through steps 2-4 after rebooting to make sure critical updates are applied. If more updates appear, continue with steps 5 and 6 to apply them. DO NOT install any service packs.

Updating Anti-Virus Software

1. Right-click the VirusScan shield in your system tray.
2. Left-click "About VirusScan Enterprise...".
3. Check the "Created on" date and if over a week old, update VirusScan.
4. To update VirusScan, right-click the VirusScan shield and click on "Update Now...".

The updater should launch and update your anti-virus program to the latest virus definitions. You can check this by repeating steps 1-3.

If your laptop is connected to the ISU Campus Network and is configured for Internet access, Windows Critical Updates and your Anti-Virus software should automatically update. If not, please contact ATS at 294-8034.