Information Technology

Security tools

Security tools for your PCC computer

  • Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) at PCC:
    • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process in which a user provides two or more pieces of evidence, or “factors,” to verify their identity. These factors can include something the user knows (e.g., a password), something the user has (e.g., a phone), or something the user is (e.g., a fingerprint).
  • Patching at PCC:
    • Patching is required for all PCC Computers to ensure security across the district.
  • Anti-Virus at PCC:
    • PCC Uses FireEye as an antivirus/cyber security service.
  • Drive Encryption at PCC:
    • Windows Devices
      • PCC uses BitLocker Encryption to ensure that if a device is lost or stolen, the contents of the device will be nearly impossible for someone to access.
    • Mac Devices
      • PCC uses FileVault Encryption to ensure that if a device is lost or stolen, the contents of the device will be nearly impossible for someone to access.
    • Email Encryption:
      • PCC Utilizes Virtru to encrypt emails sent from pcc.edu Google email addresses.

Security tools for your home computer

Thanks to a rising level of cybercrime and the costs associated with it, the security software industry and interest groups are growing rapidly. The good news for you is that you don’t have to pay a lot to keep your personal computer secure. Many of these applications are free for home use.

Computer security applications

These applications are provided for home computer users only. They are not authorized to be installed on PCC computers. The license agreements do not support institutional use. Do not install these applications on a PCC computer without formal permission from IT.

If you cannot find what you need, try searching using your favorite Internet search engine.

Disclaimer: Portland Community College is not affiliated with the tools described herein or their authors. Further, the College is not responsible for their use, or loss, or damages resulting from their use. These tools are provided by the vendors for private use. This page should not be construed as an endorsement for any particular vendor. PCC urges everyone to research the benefits and risks associated with any new piece of software. Please fully read, understand, and if possible, save the Terms of Use (TOU) that comes with the software before installing.

Anti-malware
  • AVG Free Anti-Virus (Windows, Mac, and Mobile Devices)
    AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is a trusted antivirus and anti-spyware protection for Windows available to download for free.
  • Sophos Anti-Virus For Mac Home Edition (Mac)
    Free full protection from malware. Deletes the threats on your Mac. Simple to install and use. This is a home version not supported or deployed by PCC.
Anti-phishing
  • WOT (Web of Trust)
    WOT is a community-based, free safe surfing tool for browsers that provides website ratings and risk levels to help web users as they search, surf, and shop online. It is helpful when trying to avoid spoofed websites.
Email
  • Comodo SecureEmail
    Protect, encrypt, and digitally sign your private email messages before sending them.
Encryption

Both new Windows and Apple computers give you the option to encrypt your computer’s hard drive so that if it is stolen, the thief will not be able to steal information by copying the drive.

  • BitLocker Drive Encryption (Windows 10)
    BitLocker Drive Encryption encrypts your Windows hard disk to help keep documents, passwords, and other important data safe. Once you turn on BitLocker, any file that you save on that drive is encrypted automatically.
  • Turning on FileVault (Apple OSX)
    You can turn on FileVault to encrypt the information in your home folder. Encryption scrambles the data in your home folder so that unauthorized users, applications, or utilities cannot access your data.
Backup and utility
Useful tutorials from Apple and Microsoft
Apple
  • Setting up the Apple OSX firewall
    Mac OS X includes a firewall, a security measure that protects your computer from connections initiated by other computers when connected to a network or the Internet. If you turn on a sharing service, such as file sharing, Mac OS X opens a specific port for the service to communicate through
  • Turning on FileVault
    To overwrite the data on the hard drive when you empty the Trash, select the “Use secure erase” checkbox.
Microsoft
  • Stay protected with Windows Security Windows 10 includes Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows 10. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.
  • Understanding Windows Firewall settings
    A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other computers.