What Technology does to protect your computer -

All incoming email is scanned and filtered at the firewall before being delivered. All computers attached to the academy network are monitored by port activity.

Disconnecting Computers from the Network

We have had the occasion when we must disconnect a computer from the network that has become a risk to the network and other users. Computers can be compromised and used to attack others or the network itself. Network access is quickly returned once the proper procedures are taken.

You can prevent your computer from being disconnected from the network by keeping your computer up-to-date. It is imperative that your personally owned computer has anti-virus protection software, as well as, all of the operating system updates. We provide FREE Anti-Virus software for current faculty and students. You must log into PAnet to access the download.

Technology works actively with all campus users to warn of new security risks and to make sure that your computer is secure. You will find notices in PAnet under Campus News, when there is a real threat to computer users on campus.

With the implementation of Microsoft Exchange for campus e-mail services, we have Microsoft's junk e-mail protection. Microsoft's filter evaluates whether a message should be treated as a junk e-mail message based on several factors—such as the time the message was sent and the content and structure of the message. The filter does not single out any particular sender or type of e-mail message. Rather, it uses advanced analysis to determine how likely it is to be thought of by you as a junk e-mail message. You can also add senders to the Junk E-mail list by using the Privacy and Junk E-mail Prevention in the Options menu in OWA. You can learn more specific information at: Microsoft's site.

By default, Microsoft Exchange provides an attachment security feature. This security feature is designed to increase the security protection for certain types of e-mail attachments. This can help you avoid accidentally releasing viruses that hide in certain file types. The following warning message appears in your e-mail when an attachment has been blocked: "Access to the following potentially unsafe attachments has been blocked: (name of attachment)"

For a detailed list of blocked file types, please see: http://panet.andover.edu/html/technology/email/blockattachment.htm

Please Note: Common attachment types such as Microsoft Office will not be affected by this process (Word - .doc, Excel - .xls, PowerPoint - .ppt).

The term spyware refers to software that gathers personal information from your computer, sometimes without your knowledge. The information is often used for advertising purposes. Spyware may cause your computer to slow down or encounter errors. Spyware and Adware have been known to cause unwanted pop-up advertisements, an inability to connect to the Internet, and problems printing. A common way to get spyware is through installation of file-swapping programs that are used to download music and movies from the Internet.

On the Tools download page, you will find some of the programs that we use in Technology to rid the computers on campus of malware (viruses, spyware and adware).