Securing your Computer

Keep in mind that you are working with confidentiual information in CLMS and since you are connected to the Internet, it is prudent to take precautions.

1) Make sure you have Windows passwords set with reasonably secure passwords.

2) Make sure that the computer is preferably locked in a private office and access to the office is restricted.

3) Make sure you have installed a good Internet Security program and that the subscription service is kept up-to-date. Verify that the updates are getting applied weekly, check with your vendor if you are unclear how you would check to insure it is updated.

4) Shutdown the computer when you are not using it. A powered down is hard to hack.

5) Check for Microsoft updates often. Microsoft typically releases updates on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, so check for Windows updates on the 2nd Wednesday of the month or sometime thereafter. If running CLMS2PC on the PC, then also install the optional SQL and .NET updates.

The above goes for laptops and desktop computers. Laptops and desktops that are wireless may be substnatially more at risk if not properly secured because the computer may be accessed even when behind a locked door.

There are numerous security suites available and we are reluctant to reccomend any one of them but we do have more experience with Norton Internet Security than with the others. We are finding the the Microsoft Live Essentials security program that comes free with new PCs will often interfere with CLMS2PC operation, you get what you pay for, free is free but can cost you.