| Stern Network Preconfiguration Security Steps |
Due to the current climate of rampant network worms and viruses, Stern must insist, effective immediately, that all students who wish to connect their notebooks to our network follow the security measures below before bringing their notebook in for configuration.
- A working Anti-virus software program installed
- The latest available virus definitions
- Scan your notebook for viruses using the Anti-virus tool equipped with the latest available virus definitions
- Install all critical Windows updates for your notebook
These steps will help protect your notebook and the Stern network from various known viruses, worms and Windows exploits.
For more information on computer security in general, including information about various types of attacks, Security Central.
Anti-Virus Protection
Anti-Virus Software
All students who wish to have their notebook PC's configured for use on Stern's network must have anti-virus software installed and working with the latest available anti-virus definition files. The brand of anti-virus software does not matter. ITS offers complementary copies of Norton AntiVirus to the NYU community on the ITS Software web page at: http://www.nyu.edu/its/software/. Alternatively, Virus protection software can be purchased from any computer store (the NYU Computer Store is located at 242 Greene Street). On average, virus protection software packages cost anywhere from $40 - $80.
As new viruses are created every day, it is possible that Norton or other anti-virus software would not recognized a virus. Anti-virus software relies on having information on the latest viruses so it can detect them. Whatever software you are using, you should make sure that the "Virus Definition" files get updated regularly. To update your virus definition files, visit the website of the manufacturer of the software, and look for a section on virus definition updates.
After you have Anti-virus software installed with the latest available virus definitions, be sure to scan your notebook with the software to search for possible infections. If any infections are found, they will need to be resolved before your notebook can be configured for the Stern network.
Windows Update
Windows Update is a convenient method of keeping your Windows operating system up to date with any patches or security updates. It is highly recommended that you run Windows Update at least once a month. Also, if major Windows vulnerabilities are announced, it is recommended that your run Windows Update to install the latest security fixes. You must Update your windows system will all critical updates before bringing the notebook in for configuration on Stern's network.
Windows Update can be run by going to Start -> Windows Update. This will open Internet Explorer and direct you to the Windows Update website. If a dialog pops up asking if you would like to install the Windows Update software, click OK. Then click Scan for updates. The software will then run, checking to see which updates are available for your system
If updates are available for your system, click Review and install updates Windows Update will show a list of available updates; it is recommended that you install all of them. Some updates are exclusive, and must be installed separately. If prompted, install these packages separately, and then run Windows Update again to continue installing the necessary updates.
If you'd like to forego some updates, you can click Remove to remove the item from the list of updates. Once you have a selection of updates you would like to install, just click Install Now. You will be prompted to reboot your system when you are finished.
Virus Protection at the Stern School
Norton AntiVirus software is installed on all Stern computers and servers. Norton automatically scans all inbound and outbound files to and from a computer in the Stern complex and all network drives including users' h: drives. Users can also scan their h: drive or floppy disks on demand (click on the Norton icon on the desktop of any lab computer). If you think you have a computer or some files which have been infected, go to UC-49 to report the problem. Stern also provides a virus filter on all Stern email.