Security & Privacy

One of the most important ways you can protect your personally owned computer is to use anti-virus/anti-malware software, especially if you are running a Microsoft Windows operating system. We strongly recommend that you download and install one of the following anti-virus products. However, there are many steps that should be taken to secure your personal computer no matter what platform you are on.

Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender
Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender is free, each are supported on Windows 7 and Windows 8.x respectively, earlier versions of Windows are end-of-life and no longer supported.  Additionally, security patches are no longer available from Microsoft and thus these older versions of Windows (XP/Vista) are highly discouraged from being utilized on the UM-Dearborn campus due to serious security concerns. Microsoft Security Essentials is NOT for use on University owned/issued computers, as these computers already have an enterprise level anti-malware solution installed. 

Windows 10 is shipped with Windows Defender which is Microsoft's anti-malware software that has been somewhat modified from previous iterations of anti-malware/anti-virus solutions by Microsoft in an effort to improve capabilities.

Apple MacOS
Sophos Home for Macs is free, and is designed for usage on MacOS. It is NOT for use on University owned/issued computers, as these computers already have an enterprise anti-malware solution installed.

Your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop often contains personal or private data about you, friends, and family.  

Learn more about steps you can take to protect your device and data.

We all know that social networking is the way to connect with your friends. But have you considered what information you share online? Others have! Security experts agree that your privacy is at risk if you include personal information about yourself, such as full name, address, phone number, or account numbers. It's also important to consider what information and photos are posted by you or others who know you.

Follow recommended guidelines for keeping your U-M credentials safe.

ITS offers a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.

When should I use the VPN?

• When using University systems or transmitting personal data while off-campus.
• When accessing IT applications that are otherwise only available while on campus.
• While traveling overseas and/or while in a foreign country (Travel safe with technology).

More information on how to ensure the security of your internet connection.