Answering Questions on Personal Computer Security
Description
Perform a security audit on your personal computer and social media. For this activity, you assume the role of an outside security consultant hired to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the physical and data security of your personal computer. Begin by completing the following questionnaire and complete the activity by preparing a report with observations on issues with the current status of your system, plus recommendations for actions to correct deficiencies and address physical security, operational stability, data security, and privacy and software integrity/security. Submit the completed questionnaire along with the report combined in a single Word document. Is the system in an area where casual access is possible (e.g., the kitchen table) as opposed to a private or semiprivate space (such as a basement or upstairs office with a lockable door)? Is the system in a place where it could be exposed to moisture? Are food and/or beverages routinely consumed at the workstation? Does the system have general start-up password security enabled? Does the system have user-level password security enabled? Does the system have a surge protector and/or uninterrupted power supply? Does the system have an anti-virus program installed? How does the anti-virus program installed on your computer rate among other products? (See http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/antivirus.) Is the anti-virus program set for regularly scheduled scans? Is the anti-virus program set for automatic updates of virus definition files? Is there an anti-malware/adware program installed? Is the anti-malware/adware program set for regularly scheduled scans? Is the anti-malware/adware program set for automatic updates? Is the firewall enabled? Are your browser security settings at recommended levels? Is there a regular schedule of temporary file/browser history deletion, particularly if online banking services are used? Are regular backups of valuable data being made? Are periodic backups of valuable data being created and stored offsite? Are system and application passwords adequately robust? (See http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/simplest-security-guide-better-password-practices or do your own search for an online resource providing password advice.) Are you aware of the privacy policies and settings on all your social networking applications (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.)?
