UCSF School of Pharmacy

Computer Security

To ensure that your computer and its data are more secure from damage and theft:

Required Actions

1. Get anti-virus software.
2. Update your anti-virus software.
3. Ensure that your computer is free of viruses.
4. Set up a firewall.
5. Install operating system updates.
6. Install Microsoft Office updates.
7. Remove spyware.
8. Finish.

If you have more than one computer, follow the instructions above for each one.

Recommended Actions

1. Learn the best ways to store and handle passwords in How to Keep Your Accounts Secure.
2. When installing new software, read the license agreement.
3. Understand what scams exist and how to prevent them.
4. Back up your data, and schedule it to be done automatically on a regular basis.
5. Use a surge protector with an Underwriters Laboratories UL 1449 rating.
6. Use a security cable, especially with laptops.
7. Use a well-padded laptop case.
8. Electronically lock your computer when you step away from it.

Go To: Computer Services

Accounts, Logins, Passwords

To learn why you have so many accounts and how you can keep track of them all, see Accounts, Logins, Passwords.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Some UCSF web pages or websites require Virtual Private Network to access UCSF-restricted data. Requiring VPN ensures that this information remains secure.