How do I protect my computing devices (#4465)

Ever wonder how you can better protect yourself from cybercriminals? The following section provides tips and tricks on how to protect your computers and other computing devices from viruses, thefts, and other threats.

General Best Practice

There are a few general tips for all computer users, whether you are using PCs, Macs, or other platforms.

• Always use a long password or passphrase
  Longer passwords are always more secure. For example, "I wuv ch33se pizza!" is a better password than "B7%gdA11?s", and it is also easier to remember!
• Use Antivirus on your computer
  Regardless of the computer that you use; Antivirus is one of your best defenses against viruses and malware. VCU has a list of free Antivirus software that it recommends for faculty, staff, and students!
• Use Antispyware / Antimalware software
  In addition to using Antivirus, you can also run antispyware and antimalware software periodically. While this software may not provide you with real-time protection like Antivirus software, it can catch certain malware or virus that the antivirus software may have missed. A good Antimalware software is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
• Update your Operating System
  Regardless of what computer you are using; you must make sure that the Operating System (Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu, etc.) is up-to-date. Most operating systems offer easy and sometimes automated ways to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Update your applications
  Applications like Adobe Acrobat, Flash, Java, and Apple iTunes, Quicktime are prime targets for attackers. It is imperative to check your applications and ensure that they are properly patched. VCU offers LANDesk for the automatic patching of selected applications on VCU workstations and laptops. Qualys Browsercheck can also be used periodically to check for out-of-date software and plug-ins on your computer. Contact your IT support for additional information.
• Use Browser Advisor Software
  Many viruses and malware infections can occur when you visit a malicious or infected website. In order to minimize the chance of catching an infection on a bad website and to be warned of a website's reputation before visiting the site, a browser advisor software may be used. Web of Trust is a great browser advisor, and it is free!   
• Don't Leave Your Computer Unattended!
  Thieves usually look for the crime of opportunity. Leaving your computer or other computing devices (phones, tablets, etc.) unattended in a publicly accessible area (unlocked office, cubicle, classroom, library, etc.) will increase the likelihood of your device being stolen. A cable lock can be used if a computer must be left in a publicly accessible area, or simply take your computer and devices with you when you leave an area.  
• Lock your computer when you step away
  If you work in an office environment with a stationary desktop or laptop computer, you may not want other people to be able to tamper with your computer programs and data when you step away from your desk. Locking a computer where passwords will be needed to regain access can be used to protect your computer from unauthorized access, especially when you don't have a locking door that can protect your computer. Locking a computer will allow programs to continue to operate in the background and cause no disruptions while effectively protecting your computer when you step away.

Platform Specific Best Practices

• Mac OS X »

• Microsoft Windows »

Information Security Best Practices

As responsible technology users, there are various things we can do to protect the safety and privacy of our information as it is stored on our electronic devices and travels through the Internet. The following tips may help you to ensure the security and privacy of your digital information.

1. Use Antivirus on your computer (View a list of recommended Antivirus software for free at school and home)

2. Use a long password or passphrase to protect your accounts. Longer passwords are always better (e.g., I Luv Pepperon1 p1zzas!)

3. Keep your electronic device up to date. Update the operating system and all installed applications such as Java, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Flash.

4. Be careful of the phishing and email scams, when in doubt about the legitimacy of an email, report any suspicious emails please forward them to phishing@vcu.edu.

5. Keep your computers and valuables with you, never leave them unattended in publicly accessible places.

6. Use different passwords and passcodes for various sites and systems, try a random password generator and password safe for this purpose. (e.g., KeePass is excellent for this) 

7. Use reliable browsing tools such as WOT or McAfee SiteAdvisor to help you identify harmful websites.

8. Encrypt your most sensitive electronic data and files stored on your hard drive, USB drive, MP3 player, or other places

9. Encrypt your email communications that may contain sensitive information, including attachments. The VCU email system supports secure and encrypted email. Please see our section on how to encrypt email for more information.

10. Be careful of links you click in online forums, social media websites, and emails. Don't always trust the links, even if it is from someone you know.

11. Use anti-spyware software such as Malwarebytes to scan your computer periodically.

12. Don't post information you deem as private or personal onto the Internet. Remember that what you post on the Internet now can come back and haunt you on a later date. The general rule of thumb is: If you don't want it in the newspaper, then don't post it online.

This article was updated: 03/9/2026