Mobile Security

Mobile computing devices (PDAs, cell phones, and laptop computers) come with a variety useful features that also have inherent security risks.

Mobile devices are small, lightweight, and easy to steal….

• Always save a copy of your purchase receipt with the serial number, MCG Property record number, and description of your mobile device. When possible, clearly mark the device with property or identification tags and your contact information.
• Get a cable lock for your laptop. Almost all laptops come equipped with a Universal Security Slot that allows you to attach the laptop to a heavy or unbreakable object.

• Never leave your device in open view in your car. Lock it in your trunk.
  Don't forget to secure all other products associated with your device: batteries, headsets, power cords, cables, thumb drives, SD chips...etc.

• Be aware of activity that appears suspicious. Don't leave entry offices unsecured even when leaving for a very brief moment. Most thefts are "crimes of opportunity".

Other Important Steps You Should Take to Secure Mobile Devices

• Protect your mobile device with a password.
• Never store sensitive or confidential data on a mobile device.
• Use Antivirus Software: The Medical College of Georgia ses Symantec antivirus software to protect all MCG owned faculty, staff, and student home and office computers. You may obtain a copy of Symantec Antivirus by contacting the ITSS Service Desk.
• Patching: Regular software updates help avoid data loss, new viruses, and other potential risks. MCG-owned computers should be configured to receive critical software updates from Microsoft automatically.
• Network Storage: Files that contain important information should always be saved to an ITSS network file server where the information is protected with a password, backed-up, and availability is ensured. In other words, storing MCG information on your laptop hard drive is not recommended. Your files may be securely accessed from anywhere, on or off campus, where Internet access is available. Visit www.mcg.edu/itss/Help/FilePrint for more information.
• Personal Firewalls: Personal firewalls are an effective layer of security that takes only a few minutes to install.
• Thumb/Flash Drives: If you plan to store any data on a thumb drive that you wouldn’t want exposed consider using our TrueCrypt encryption software. Contact the ITSS Service Desk to setup an appointment for assistance.
• Wireless: Wireless access to your laptop should be disabled when not in use to prevent unauthorized wireless access to the computer. Wireless access should be configured to query the user for confirmation before connecting to wireless networks. MCG provides access to an encrypted secure wireless network that provides access to campus resources for all users with valid NetIDs and passwords. This network should be used for all official university business when on a campus wireless connection. For instructions connecting to the secure campus wireless network see my.mcg.edu/portal/page/portal/MyMCG_Portlets/Software_Downloads/WLAN_Config_Page

Loss or Theft

• In the event your device is lost or stolen, you should immediately file a report with Public Safety at (706) 721-2911.
• If you have reason to believe a lost or stolen device contained confidential, sensitive, or research information you must immediately report this to the IT Security Office by contacting ITSS Service Desk (706) 721-4000.
• If your Blackberry device is lost or stolen, please contact the ITSS Service Desk at (706) 721-4000. A remote “kill” command can be sent to the handheld, which will erase all of the device data and disable it so that it can no longer be used on the MCG Network. The device must be turned on and in an area with sufficient coverage to receive the command. If the device is turned off or out of coverage, the command is queued on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server until the device is turned on or returns to an area with sufficient coverage.