Because today's security threats are heavily focused on exploiting vulnerabilities in common operating systems and applications, one of the most important ways to keep your information safe is to ensure your OS, browser, and other widely-used applications such as Adobe's Acrobat Reader are kept up to date (as well as your antivirus, of course!).

Note that you will need to have the latest OS patches installed for Windows and Macintosh systems, as well as up-to-date antivirus, in order to connect to the HSU wireless network.

Follow the security guidelines below and you'll have a system that for the most part will keep itself updated (and your data protected).

Operating Systems

• If you're running Windows XP/Vista/7, click Microsoft (Windows) Updates to configure your system for automatic updates.
• If you're running OSX 10.4.9 (Tiger)/10.5.6 (Leopard)/10.6.0 (Snow Leopard)/10.7.0 (Lion), click Mac OS X Software Updates to configure your system for automatic updates.

Application Software and Browsers

Most popular application software will automatically inform you when a security update is available; you should always act on these notifications as soon possible after receiving them. This is because most exploits of application vulnerabilities happen within 24 hours of the vulnerability being discovered. Bear in mind that some applications will require you to restart your system for the update to take effect. Microsoft applications, including Internet Explorer, can be configured to update at the same time as Windows OS updates by following the Windows Update link above.

Antivirus Software

You should always have up-to-date antivirus protection installed. We've compiled a list of anti-virus software packages that meet HSU's network security requirements; you can also take advantage of the campus-wide license for the free use of Sophos Antivirus on personal systems. Most of the commercial products (but few of the free products) automatically configure themselves to download updates automatically. Always check to ensure your antivirus has the most up-to-date signature files.