This article covers the basic security steps for a personal Windows or Mac computer. Most of it takes about fifteen minutes, and several of these protections are already turned on. Technology Services does not manage personal devices, so the choices below are yours to make.

What Your Computer Already Does

Both Windows and Mac include security protection out of the box. In most cases you do not need to buy or install anything.

Windows

Windows Security is built in and turned on by default. It includes:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which scans files as you open them
• A firewall, covered later in this article
• SmartScreen, which warns you about known malicious downloads and websites

Defender receives new threat definitions through Windows Update, so keeping Windows current also keeps your antivirus current.

To open it, select Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.

Mac

macOS includes several layers of protection that run quietly in the background. There is nothing to turn on.

• XProtect scans for known malware when an app is opened
• XProtect Remediator removes malware it finds
• Gatekeeper blocks apps that are not signed by an identified developer
• Notarization means Apple has already scanned apps distributed outside the App Store

These definitions update automatically and separately from full macOS updates, so protection stays current even between major releases.

Additional Security Software

Technology Services does not manage personal devices and does not require or recommend a specific security product. Whether to add anything is entirely your decision.

If you do install something, install only one antivirus program.

Two antivirus programs running at the same time will conflict with each other, slow the computer down, and can leave gaps in coverage. On Windows, installing a third party antivirus automatically turns off Defender real time protection, so you are replacing your protection rather than adding to it.

Keeping Your Operating System Updated

This is the most important item in this article. Most successful attacks use flaws that already have a fix available, so installing updates promptly closes more risk than any product you can add.

Windows

1. Open Settings, then select Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install everything offered.
3. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they are available.
4. Restart when prompted. Many fixes do not take effect until the computer restarts.

Mac

1. Open System Settings, select General, then Software Update.
2. Install any updates that are available.
3. Select the information icon next to Automatic Updates.
4. Turn on every option, including Install Security Responses and system files.
5. Restart when prompted.

Firewall

A firewall limits what other devices on the same network can reach on your computer. This matters most on shared networks such as residence hall Wi-Fi.

Windows

The Windows firewall is on by default. To confirm:

1. Select Start, type Windows Security, and open the app.
2. Select Firewall and network protection.
3. Confirm that all three network profiles show the firewall as on.

Mac

The macOS firewall is off by default and needs to be turned on.

1. Open System Settings and select Network.
2. Select Firewall.
3. Turn the firewall on.

Disk Encryption

Without encryption, anyone who has your laptop can read your files, including by removing the drive and connecting it to another computer. With encryption, those files are unreadable without your password. This is the strongest protection you have against a lost or stolen laptop.

Windows

1. Open Settings, select Privacy and security, then Device encryption. If it is listed, turn it on.
2. If Device encryption is not listed, select Start, type BitLocker, and open Manage BitLocker. Turn BitLocker on for your system drive.
3. Save your recovery key to your Microsoft account, or print it and keep it somewhere safe.

Mac

• Open System Settings and select Privacy and Security.
• Select FileVault, then Turn On.
• Choose how to recover your disk if you forget your password, either through your iCloud account or with a recovery key.
• If you choose a recovery key, write it down and store it somewhere other than the computer.
• Encryption continues in the background. You can keep using the Mac while it finishes.

Store your recovery key somewhere other than the computer it unlocks. If you lose both the password and the recovery key, the files cannot be recovered by Technology Services, by Microsoft, or by Apple.

Screen Lock

Encryption protects your computer when it is off. A screen lock protects it when you step away from the library table for two minutes.

• Lock manually with the Windows key and L on Windows, or Control, Command, and Q on a Mac
• On Windows, set automatic locking under Settings, Accounts, Sign-in options
• On Mac, set automatic locking under System Settings, Lock Screen

Set the computer to require your password immediately or within one minute of the screen turning off.

Backing Up Your Coursework

Antivirus and encryption do nothing for you if the drive fails or the laptop is stolen. A backup does.

Your Wooster account includes OneDrive. Files saved there are available from any device, and they survive the loss of the computer.

• Save coursework to OneDrive rather than only to the local Desktop or Documents folder
• Or turn on folder backup so that your Desktop and Documents folders sync automatically

Reference Setting Up OneDrive for further assistance.

Protecting Your Wooster Account

Most account compromises at colleges begin with a phishing email or a reused password, not with malware. Three habits cover most of the risk:

• Use a password for your Wooster account that you do not use anywhere else
• Keep at least two multifactor authentication methods registered so that losing a phone does not lock you out
• Learn what a legitimate message from the College looks like before you need to judge one under pressure

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: MFA management article, title and URL pending]

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Recognizing legitimate Wooster email article, title and URL pending]

If You Think Your Computer Is Infected

Common signs:

• Pop-up ads appearing outside the browser, or on sites that do not normally show them
• Your homepage or search engine changed without you changing it
• Sudden slowness, a fan running constantly, or a battery draining much faster than usual
• Programs you do not remember installing
• Friends receiving messages from you that you did not send

If you notice these:

1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi.
2. Stop entering passwords, card numbers, or other sensitive information on that computer.
3. Using a different device, change your Wooster password.
4. On Windows, run a full scan from Windows Security, Virus and threat protection, Scan options, Full scan.
5. Contact the Help Desk.

If you believe your Wooster account itself has been compromised, contact the Help Desk right away, even if the computer seems fine. An account can be misused from anywhere in the world without your computer being involved at all.

Getting Help

If you run into any issue during setup, contact the IT Help Desk.

• Email: helpdesk@wooster.edu
• Phone: 330-287-4357 (330-287-HELP)
• Walk-in: Burton D. Morgan Hall – Help Desk, 4th floor
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm