This message is a reminder of good practice guidelines to follow when using email or downloading files at home or at work:
1. Do not open email attachments that are unexpected or from unknown people. Even if you know the person the email is from, the sender's name may have been spoofed and they may not have sent the email and the attachment may be a virus. (virus, worm, Trojan, spoofing)
2. Do not perform steps listed in an email to remove a virus. Call the Help Desk (5167) or forward the email to helptech@graceland.edu for questions. Do not forward the email to friends, family, or coworkers. (hoaxes)
3. Avoid visiting 'questionable' websites or downloading/installing programs on your computer from 'questionable' vendors. Some websites or software creators may (intentionally or unintentionally) attach or automatically download viruses, worms, Trojans, Adware, and Spyware to your machine. (Use your best judgment.)
4. Do not open or install patches, fixes, or updates you receive by email from 'what looks like' are sent from a well-known technology vendor. Vendors will not send updates by email. (hoax, SPAM, spoofing)
5. Do not install or use file sharing programs on Graceland University computers like Kazaa, Morpheus, and Limewire.
6. Don't ever email usernames and passwords or share them over the phone.
Thank you for helping Graceland University be a more productive and secure environment.
*For definitions on words in parentheses, please go to http://support.graceland.edu/help/datasecurity/threat%20definitions.htm.
Mark Patience, Director of Desktop Support Services
