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Tools & Tips for Protecting Your Computer and Data

Tools & Tips for Protecting Your Computer and Data

This section provides tool and tips to help you maintain security for your computer hardware and software, and to protect the privacy of the data on your computer.

How do I get started? More Detail

Choose a safe password

Browser Security Settings

Three Security Essentials for Your PC (PDF | HTML | Video)

Securing Computers Running Windows XP

Securing Computers Running Macintosh OS X

Securing Computers Running Linux or Unix

How do I choose a safe password?

Where can I get free anti-virus software? More Detail

Blue Disc (Windows and Mac OS X)

Virusbusters (Windows)

How do I use the Internet securely? More Detail

Beware of Spyware and Adware

Browse the Internet and Read E-mail More Securely, or CYA: Cover Your Access (PDF | HTML | Video)

Manage All Your Passwords (PDF | HTML | Video)

P2P file sharing: Be Aware You're Uploading (BAYU)

Protect against viruses

Protect against identity misrepresentation and theft

Secure Your Wireless Network (PDF | HTML)

How do I send and receive e-mail securely? More Detail

Beware of phishing

Use best practices for e-mails with links to surveys or forms that request personal and identifiable information

How do I encrypt documents? More Detail

Encrypt Documents in Microsoft Windows XP (PDF | HTML | Video)

Encrypt Documents in Microsoft Windows Vista (PDF | HTML | Video)

Encrypt Documents with BitLocker (PDF | HTML)

BitLocker Drive Preparation (.zip file - valid IT Security Community password required)

Encrypt Documents on Your Mac (PDF | HTML)

Encrypt Your Thumbdrive (PDF | HTML)

Secure II Flash Drive Demo (SWF - 22mins 22secs)

How do I back up my data?

How do I securely delete or erase data from a hard drive? More Detail

Securely Delete Files on Your Mac (PDF | HTML)

Securely Delete Files Using Heidi Eraser on Your PC (PDF | HTML)

Remove Hidden Data from Office 2007 Documents (PDF | HTML)

Other free data removal tools

Guidance for Advanced Users More Detail

BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows Vista (presentation)

IIS6 hardening guide from Center for Internet Security

Mac OS X Security Configuration guide, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) Updated version: 2008 Instructions and recommendations for securing Mac OS X (Leopard) version 10.5, and for maintaining a secure computer.

Open Source System for Tracking the Location of Your Lost or Stolen Laptop

Security Considerations of Google Desktop

Security Considerations of NAT (Network Address Translation)

Tools for Discovering Credit Card and Social Security Numbers in Computer File Systems (PDF)

For more help

4-HELP - ITCS Computing Assistance Hotline (764-4357) provides support for resources and services.
Center for Vulnerability Control (CVC) - Provides support to University housing residents on computer security issues.
IT User Advocate - Enforces compliance with U-M information technology policies and guidelines.
Residential Computing - Information technology education, services, and support to University Housing residents
Frequently Asked Questions
UM Help Desks