Responsible Student Computing

Security Tip: Practicing safe, responsible computing will help protect your personal information and data.

Sometimes forgetting the little things can lead to really big problems. For example, if you forget to log off the computer in one of the labs, the next person who uses the computer will be already logged in – as you! That means your grades and other personal information can be viewed, forwarded, and used by others. If you share your password with someone, that person could illegally download music or videos – and you’d suffer the consequences! If you use a password that’s easy to crack, you become an easier target for identity theft. If you don’t back up your data, you could lose it all – and spend hours trying to recreate it. That's why network and computer security is so important.

Unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted works, including music, pictures, movies, and other published materials, is a violation of campus computer-use policy. It is also illegal and may carry significant monetary and/ or criminal sanctions. It is the responsibility of the student, staff or faculty member downloading or uploading files to ensure that these are not copyrighted works, or that he or she has the permission of the copyright holder. Illegal file-sharing and other copyright violations are a Violation of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

As a user of campus computing services and facilities, you are responsible for acting in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. Cal State L.A. User Guidelines and other documents will help you understand and maintain the confidentiality of your account information, understand information security, and adhere to federal and state laws and campus policies.