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Other Security Issues

There are a number of other security and safe computing issues that may affect you. Below is an overview of each of these, including links to more detailed information.

Legal Issues

File sharing software is often free and allows you to easily access music, games, or software. Millions of users can be connected to your computer via the file sharing programs you install. This puts you at risk for unknowingly sharing private files on your computer, such as tax returns, downloading copyright protected materials or viruses, or inadvertently downloading spyware or pornography.
Piracy is the popular term for the illegal activity that is more correctly known as copyright infringement. Software piracy involves the violation of license agreements and occurs when you download, copy, fileshare, install, or distribute digitized material in the form of computer software programs and entertainment media without authorization from the owner/creator. Your purchase of a computer program or CD, DVD, video, mp3 and similar media, licenses use of your personal copy; you do not own the intellectual property that it contains.
Copyright is the legal protection of all forms creative expression on any form of media. Be aware of the limits of the fair use of intellectual property, which is protected under copyright law in cyberspace as well as the real world. Copyright infringement occurs when you violate the copyright owner's exclusive rights, that is, you use intellectual property without authorization.
Online harassment can occur through e-mail, instant messages, chat rooms, and message boards and can range from menacing to annoying. Make sure that you are neither the victim nor the perpetrator of online harassment. Victims of harassment, threats, stalking, or libel should contact University Police. Refrain from questionable online activity that could be interpreted as harmful to others.

Online Addictions

Are you spending more time on your computer and in cyberspace than you are in real-life situations? Are you neglecting your coursework, friends, family, health and sleep in order to surf the web, chat or gamble online or play computer games? Do you need a daily “fix” from your computer or the Internet, or feel deprived if you are unable to log on regularly?

These phenomena go by many names: computer addiction, cyber addiction, internet addiction. Notice the one word they have in common? Addictions cross a line into harmful behavior. If you suspect you are compulsive about cyberspace, or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned, consider talking with a counseling professional. Read more about online addictions.