Cybersecurity: Personal computer health check

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This site replaces the former Compute Canada documentation site, and is now being managed by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Ce site remplace l'ancien site de documentation de Calcul Canada et est maintenant géré par l'Alliance de recherche numérique du Canada.

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The following questions are designed to assess the cybersecurity posture of your computer. Let’s answer the questions to check whether your computer is secured.

1 What is the software update setting on your personal computer?

The software on my personal computer is out of support; there is no software update.
I check and install software updates and security patches manually.
I receive notifications about software updates but don't automatically install them.
Software updates of the operating system are automatically downloaded and installed.
In addition to the software updates of the operating system, other software applications are also set to install updates automatically.

2 How do you manage your passwords for accessing Internet services such as emails, Internet banking, online shopping, etc.?

I use the same password on multiple Internet services and never change it.
I follow a pattern (e.g. Tech0001, Tech0002, Tech0003) to create passwords and use them on multiple Internet services.
I create unique passwords for accessing Internet services and record them in a text file, sticky notes, etc.
I create unique passphrases for accessing Internet services.
I use a reputable password manager to create, store and change my passwords regularly.

3 Is there any antivirus software installed on your personal computer?

No, there is no antivirus software installed on my personal computer
Yes, an antivirus software is installed on my personal computer, but I'm not sure whether it’s trustworthy.
Yes, a reputable antivirus software is installed on my personal computer.
Yes, a reputable antivirus software is installed on my personal computer and it’s configured to update automatically.

4 How do you configure the Wi-Fi router at your home?

I haven’t changed the default password on my home’s Wi-Fi router.
The default password has been modified on my home’s Wi-Fi router.
The default password has been modified and firmware updates are installed on my home’s Wi-Fi router regularly.

5 How do you connect your computer to public Wi-Fi spots?

I connect my personal computer to public Wi-Fi spots whenever there's one available.
I would not connect my personal computer to public Wi-Fi spots without using a trustworthy VPN connection.
I do not connect my personal computer to public Wi-Fi spots.