Society & Culture

EITS to offer free computer security checkups

Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Enterprise Information Technology Services will host its fall Computer Health and Security Fair Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the second floor rotunda of the Miller Learning Center.

UGA students, faculty and staff are invited to bring their personal laptops for free security checks, as part of the observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October.

Technical volunteers will provide free virus and malware removal, and offer security consultations and check-ups to ensure that laptops are using the latest and most secure software and plug-ins. They will ensure that firewalls are enabled, and antivirus and operating systems are up to date. Technicians will also look for other problems, such as slow performance, Web browser pop-ups and unknown error messages.

Participants will learn the best practices for securing their computers against intrusions, virus infections and account compromises, said Justin Williams, manager of the EITS Help Desk.

“The Computer Health and Security Fair is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to have their personal laptops checked for security issues,” Williams said. “Because of the popularity of this event, we encourage people to come early.”

University department-issued computers will not be checked at the fair.

For more information, see www.eits.uga.edu.