CS Student Security Basics

TL;DR

This guide covers essential security steps for a Computer Science student to protect their accounts, data, and systems. It focuses on practical measures you can take right now.

1. Password Management

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across different sites. A password manager is highly recommended.
   • Password Managers: Tools like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass generate and store strong passwords for you. They also auto-fill logins.
   • Password Strength: Aim for at least 12 characters with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
   • How it Works: MFA requires a code from your phone or another device in addition to your password.
   • Common Methods: Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy), SMS codes (less secure), hardware security keys (YubiKey).

2. Secure Your Accounts

1. Email Security:
   • Use a Strong Password: As above, apply strong password principles to your email account.
   • Enable MFA: Protect your email from unauthorized access.
   • Be Wary of Phishing Emails: Don’t click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders.
2. Social Media Security:
   • Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your information.
   • Be Careful What You Share: Avoid sharing personal details that could be used for identity theft or social engineering.

3. Protect Your Computer

1. Keep Your Operating System Updated: Updates often include security patches.
   • Windows Update: Regularly check for and install Windows updates.
   • macOS Software Update: Keep your macOS version up to date.
2. Install Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software: Protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
   • Popular Options: Windows Defender (built-in), Malwarebytes, Bitdefender.
   • Regular Scans: Schedule regular scans to detect and remove threats.
3. Use a Firewall: Block unauthorized access to your computer.
   • Windows Firewall: Enabled by default, ensure it remains active.
   • macOS Firewall: Enable in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.

4. Secure Your Network

1. Use a Strong Wi-Fi Password: Protect your home network.
   • WPA3 Encryption: Use WPA3 if your router supports it (most modern routers do).
   • Change Default Router Credentials: Change the default username and password for your router’s admin interface.
2. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured public networks.
   • Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet traffic, protecting it from eavesdropping.

5. Basic Command Line Security (Linux/macOS)

1. Keep Packages Updated: Use the package manager to update software.

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

   (For Debian/Ubuntu based systems)

   brew update && brew upgrade

   (For macOS with Homebrew)

2. Be Careful with Sudo: Only use `sudo` when absolutely necessary. Understand what the command does before running it.

   sudo ls -l /root

   This lists files in the root directory, requiring elevated privileges.