To continue with National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) tips, in part 4, we focus on how to keep a clean machine:

• Make it a practice to install operating system and software updates as they're released. They're important because they include security patches, bug fixes and new features.

  Note: At this time, we recommend not installing the macOS Catalina upgrade because you may encounter compatibility issues with various university applications. We'll let you know when it's okay to install this upgrade.

• Make sure that your computer is running a supported operating system. If your system can't be upgraded to a supported version, it may be time to buy a new computer. On that note, be aware that starting January 14, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for Windows 7. 
• Don't forget to keep the OS on your phone up to date too. Apple and Google release software updates for your smartphone on a regular basis, so be sure to install them.
• Protect your personal computer against viruses by turning on Windows Security or Mac firewall. Alternatively, you can buy Norton, Symantec, McAfee or Sophos for protection. Be sure your office computer is protected by Symantec.
• Periodically restart your computer and phone to give them a fresh start and clean out temporary files. Doing this often improves performance.
• Don't believe it when strangers call you out of the blue saying they have important information about your computer, reporting that there is a problem with your computer, or informing you that your Windows license key has expired. Microsoft and Apple will not directly call you!