Virginia Tech has a fairly open network that provides an excellent environment for students to leverage technology in their educational pursuits. As part of this technology environment, students play an important part in protecting sensitive information and computers.
Computer viruses, phishing scams, and identify theft most likely will never be eliminated. But through awareness, Virginia Tech students do not have to become a victim. Students should develop good habits in using strong passwords, updating operating systems and antivirus software, and using firewalls. Virginia Tech gives its students access to anti-virus software and it should be installed and updated frequently.
Good practices must also include being careful about where you post private information. While offering an opportunity to network, social networking sites offer a unique challenge to privacy. Nothing is ever truly private on the internet and students should be careful when sharing personal information.
Virginia Tech’s networks provide fast downloads of media of all types. However students need to be mindful that downloading copyrighted material is not allowed. Virginia Tech policies are clear with regards to illegal downloads. The Division of Student Affairs has dedicated a page to common questions about computer misuse and copyright violations.