YOUR IDENTITY
OU IT is committed to your security. This project is a good step forward, but you can take some proactive steps to secure your identity:
- Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software. You can download Symantec Anti-Virus free from the OU IT Store.
- Update your computer’s operating system with the latest patches.
- Be aware of your surroundings online. Surfing the internet is much like walking down the street. Pay attention to what type of neighborhood you’re in and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior like strange download requests or pop-up ads.
- Follow the tips below for protecting your password and minimizing risks associated with spam.
Protecting your Password
- Use a secure password consisting of a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Ensure that a website is secure before entering information like usernames or passwords. Always check for https:// – notice the “s” – in address bar
- Utilize unique passwords for each site you access that contains confidential information (OU, banking, medical, records, etc.)
- Don’t write passwords in easily accessed areas. If you have to write a password to remember it, keep it in your wallet
- Never enter information into a site that does not have an up to date secure certificate
Spam Email
- Do not reply to spam
- Do not click links or open attachments in spam
- Block automatic picture downloads in your email client (Exchange is automatically configured to block pictures).
- Never include sensitive information in an e-mail
- Check http://alerts.ou.edu for notifications
- Turn on your OU spam filters
- Report spam to the OU IT Security Team
Identity Theft
If you feel your identity has been compromised, follow the instructions on OU IT’s Protecting Your Identity page.