ERSGA encourages use of these precautions as a means of preventing
unauthorized access of your computer.
Install privacy protection software on your computer:
Install commercially available software which protects your computer from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other
intrusive threats to your privacy. An Internet keyword search for "spyware and virus protection"
will yield numerous software products available for this purpose.
Protect your User ID and Password:
Third parties may offer services requiring you to provide them your access information (User ID and password).
Proceed with caution before giving any third party private information. Consider the privacy and security risks.
Anyone to whom you give your access information could access your account information and conduct transactions
without your knowledge and authorization. You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of your UserID and password.
ERSGA cannot take responsibility for access or transactions that result from your failure to protect your access information.
Use a computer password:
Use the built-in password capabilities available with your personal computer.
If you use your computer to make purchases and manage your finances online, consider configuring your computer
to ask for a password each time the computer is turned on.
Use a screen saver:
Most computers can be configured to
activate a screen saver that pops up after a few minutes of inactivity. The screen saver hides the information on
your screen from others while you are away from your computer. You can configure most screen savers to ask for a
password before returning the computer to its previous state.
Manage your password:
Do not use passwords such as family names, street names, pet names and birthdays, which are easily guessed.
It is better to construct a password by combining randomly selected letters and numbers.
If a string of random letters and numbers is difficult to remember, try using two unrelated words combined
with a number (for example, wait4phone). It is recommended that you change your password every 30 days.
Other important notes:
Some Web browsers and third-party software provide the option to automatically remember your User ID and
password. Please take care in using these features because stored passwords can be used by anyone with access to your computer.
Public access to the Internet is now
offered in many libraries, airports, copy centers and cafes. Be extremely careful if you access ERSGA Web services
through a public computer. Features built into Web browsers may allow the next user to obtain access to your
account. At a minimum, you should completely log out of your account, and close the web browser.
Try to clear cookies and Internet browse history, as well.