Welcome to the Information Technology Services Security website. Here you will find information to help you become more aware of the various security issues you and the University face on a day to day basis in regards to technology and computing.

USFsafenet is our campaign to increase awareness of computing security and promote the University Network Security Policy and Technology Resources Appropriate Usage Policy.  USFsafenet brochures and campaign materials are available here.

Please remember, while the University is doing what it can to protect University-owned computers and the University network, all members of the University have a responsibility to participate in the protection of their computing environment. If you own your own computer, make sure you take the appropriate steps, many of which are outlined below, to keep your computer as safe as possible.

Our network and the computers connected to it are only as secure as the least secure computer that is connected to it, either on campus or through remote access, so please do your part to ensure that your personal computer is virus-free.

Residence Hall Network Access Control Requirement

Access to network in Residence Halls requires passing a scan for up-to-date anti-virus software and operating system patches

Click here for information on Network Access Control.

USF Information Security Policy

Click here for PDF. Comments may be sent to cio@usfca.edu

Windows Secure File Deletion Procedure
Windows Secure Hard Drive Erasure Procedure
Macintosh Secure File Deletion Procedure
Macintosh Secure Hard Drive Erasure Procedure
How to report an anonymous Information Security Incident

What you must do to protect your computer

• Virus Information: for information on viruses, tips and resources on virus, and other virus-related information.
• Anti-Virus Software: USF offers Symantec AntiVirus to current students and employees for FREE.  Log in with your USFconnect username and password.  Be sure to follow instructions carefully.
• Windows Updates
• Mac Software Update

USFsafenet brochures

• Computing Security for Students
• Computing Security for Faculty and Staff
• Computing Security for Mobile Users
• Virus Protection
• Email Protection
• Identity Theft and Password Protection
• Spyware/Adware Protection
• USFsafenet Bookmark - 10 Safe Computing Practices & Dos and Don'ts of Passwords

General Security FAQs and other information you should know about:

• SANS's Internet Storm Center Security Warning Level
• OnGuard Online - Security information site from the Federal Government
• Spam FAQ
• Spyware FAQ
• Password Info
• Wireless
• Laptop Cable Lock: University-owned laptops
• SSH: secure shell client (faculty & staff only)
• VPN
• ActiveX
• Helpful advisory regarding use of Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites

University Security Related Policies:

• Computer Security Policy
• Appropriate Use Policy
• Copyright Policy
• USF Information Security Program
• USF Information Security Policy
  • Comments may be sent to cio@usfca.edu

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Current security status per SANS's Internet Storm Center:

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