Why is Security so Important?

Virus and spyware infections can be a real nightmare. They can easily cause you to lose important data such as papers and homework, and can destroy some basic computer functions like your connection to the Internet. Criminals can even use viruses and spyware to gather your personal information and steal your identity. The worst part is that it can be nearly impossible to get rid of some infections.

Identity Theft

Identity thieves can use viruses or spyware to access your computer or collect personal information from your computer.

Lost Data

Once infected with a virus or spyware, it is possible to lose information on your computer. Viruses can delete files, and spyware can make your computer so unusable that you have to format your hard drive. This means possible loss of school work, music, movies, and other files that you keep on your computer.

Reduced Computer Function

Viruses and spyware can demand a lot of system resources to run. They will slow your computer down! Spyware will even interfere with normal computer use by generating massive amounts of pop-up advertisements that lock up your computer, changing your homepage, and redirecting you to different web pages.

Among other things, viruses can use your computer to send spam or serve files. In this case, your Internet connection speed could be slowed significantly.

Lost Internet Access

Some infections can even harm system files on your computer and cause your Internet connection to stop working.

Furthermore, an infected computer can send viruses and spam across the UGA network. This is a violation of The University of Georgia Policies on the Use of Computers. A student in violation of these policies can have his/her Internet access revoked, and may have to face the student judiciary.

Student Judiciary

If your computer becomes infected with a virus, it may send viruses, spam e-mail, or attacks against other computers or organizations on the Internet without you knowing. This would violate The University of Georgia Policies on the Use of Computers. A student may have to face the student judiciary if found in violation of these policies. You can read more about policies at the UGA Computer Security and Ethics web page.