Information Security
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Protect Your Information and Identity
Stay Patched

Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your computer’s security. These updates often address security flaws as well as stability and usability issues, maintaining updates is a good idea in general.

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Windows Updates

Scheduling Automatic Updates through the built-in Microsoft Update app will help keep you on top of Microsoft's latest patches for the Microsoft suite of products - including Office and various developer tools. This can be scheduled to run on a specific interval, which can be selected for whatever time is convenient for you. We recommend updating at least every month. 

For University owned computers, your local IT department may already be managing this for you through Dell Kace.

OS X Updates

Periodically Apple will release new builds of OS X to address issues, security flaws, or to add features. Keeping your operating system at the latest build will help protect you from exploits. The following article explains how to keep your Mac updated: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541

In addition to updating to the latest build of OS X - you should also consider keeping current with the latest version. For University owned computers, your local IT department may already be managing this for you through JAMF Casper.

Linux Updates

Determine whether your Linux distribution follows a rolling or scheduled release model, and develop a strategy to patch the kernel. Most distributions check for updates on a daily basis. Consider applying security updates immediately and feature updates, libraries, and bug fixes weekly. However, upgrading to a new version may take careful planning and testing. Contact mccit@northwestern.edu for questions of consultation.

Android Updates

Keep your Android up to date with the latest operating system, vendor software, and apps.

Depending on your carrier or phone’s manufacturer, you may see a notification on your Android device to update its operating system. It is highly recommended that you do so whenever available. In the absence of a notification, you can prompt your device to check for updates manually - this article explains how: http://www.wikihow.com/Update-an-Android

Most Android phones come with custom software delivered by the phone's carrier, manufacturer, or both. Be sure to maintain updates on these integration features as well - you can consult with your carrier or manufacturer's site for more details.

Updating your applications will help you keep on top of the latest fixes. Read the following article for instructions: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/113412?hl=en

iOS Updates

Keep your Apple device up to date with the latest operating system and apps.

Follow this guide on checking for and installing the latest version of iOS: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204

The App Store can be used to update your iOS device's applications - follow this article to configure automatic updating: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202180

Wearables Updates

Wearables like smartwatches need to be updated too! Please use the following resources to update the technology:

Browser Updates

Because web browsers are used so frequently for a variety of tasks, it is essential to configure them correctly to ensure your security and to improve your browser's speed and performance.

As web browsers traverse web pages for you, they connect to hundreds of servers at the instruction of the websites you visit in order to download video, advertisements, images, image gallery widgets, etc. If any of the servers your browser connects to is compromised, your computer may be at risk. It is therefore important to keep your browser up to date at all times to avoid compromise. As well, the many servers you connect to often instruct your browser to save bits of information they or their partner servers can ask for later, called "cookies", which allow you to be tracked as you browse different sites around the Internet. It's important to clear these cookies somewhat regularly to keep a lower profile.

Ensure that you protect your privacy and the security of the information on your computer by regularly following these guides: