Network Security: How to Meet Minimum Standards

• Ask your desktop support person if your computer meets the minimum security standards, including:
  • Current anti-virus software
  • Active firewalls
• If your computer doesn't meet the standards:
  • Ask your desktop support person to install the necessary software
    OR
  • Get department approval to install the software yourself. Follow these steps:
    • Remove any anti-virus software from your computer.
    • Download Sophos anti-virus software, free for UCSD users.
    • Update the software regularly (at least daily).
    • Install the appropriate firewall software.
• Regularly check for updates to your operating system. See Updating Your Operating System.
• Note: If you don't have a desktop support person, you can get technical help from Network Operations.

• Read the Minimum Network Connection Standards, available in Exhibit C of the Network Security Policy.
• If your home computer or your UCSD computer or laptop doesn't meet the standards, install the necessary software by following these steps:
  • Read and follow the guidelines for implementing the standards.
  • Remove any anti-virus software from your computer(s).
  • Download Sophos anti-virus software.
    Note: You can use the free Sophos software at home with your UCSD license. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux/ UNIX, Exchange, Windows Server, and Novel Server.
  • Update the software regularly (at least daily).
  • Install the appropriate firewall software.
• Regularly check for updates to your operating system. See Updating Your Operating System.

• Become familiar with the latest security standards.
  • Review the existing Network Security Policy.
  • Pay special attention to the minimum standards in Exhibit C of the policy.
• Update any noncompliant machines by installing anti-virus and firewall software.
  • See Network Security Resources for the appropriate update link.
• Make sure operating systems have been updated. See Updating Your Operating System.

Become familiar with the dangers of network security breaches and the safeguards that UCSD is implementing.

• Review the existing Network Security Policy.
• Pay special attention to the minimum standards in Exhibit C of that policy.
• Determine the impact on your unit.
• Work with your department's system administrator(s) to make sure that all the computers in your area are compliant.