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Security

Securing your computer against viruses, malware, and attacks is always important, and is even more crucial when working from home, where you are outside a number of protective layers built into Cornell's network.

Please visit the IT Security Office web site for general information about securing your computer.

Telecommuters must comply with all Cornell IT policies. Please visit the IT Policy Office web site for more information.

 

Protecting Cornell's Data

You must take steps to protect private data, such as social security, credit card, driver license and bank account numbers, or health care treatment information. Home computers introduce an increased threat to Cornell data due to such recreational activities as on-line gaming, file sharing, and generally broader browsing of the Internet.

Protecting Your Computer

Implement the following security precautions with help from your local IT support provider if necessary:

  • Configure your computer to automatically update the operating system and security applications on a daily basis.
  • Create a separate account to be used for business purposes. This account should have a strong password that is known only to you.
  • Use strong passwords for all accounts. Visit the CIT Password Tips page for help choosing a strong password.
  • Turn off unauthenticated (open) file sharing.

Protecting Your Wireless Connection

Home wireless networks are easy to set up and are extremely convenient use. However, this environment opens up several risks that need to be addressed. Anyone near your home may be able to use your internet connection or access your computer, and any information sent over the wireless connection could be stolen.

The following steps should be taken to adequately protect your ISP connection, your home computer, and your data:

  • Change the router's default password
  • Change the default SSID
  • Disable broadcast of your SSID
  • Change the IP address setting
  • Use wireless encryption
  • Use MAC address filtering

The documentation that came with your router should provide detailed information on how to perform these steps. Other good resources:

 

Secure Remote Access

If you need a more secure connection to campus, you can use VPN (Virtual Private Network). First you connect to the internet through your local ISP, then you connect to VPN. Once connected, your computer will behave as if it were physically attached to the campus network. See the CIT VPN web site for more information and installation instructions.

Two important notes about VPN:

  • VPN does not work with EZ-Remote connections.
  • VPN traffic between your home computer and the Cornell network WILL affect your Network Usage Based Billing (NUBB) charges. See the CIT Network Rates page for more information about NUBB.

 

Additional information about these measures and other guidelines for secure computing can be found at the IT Security Office web site.