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OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Information Security & Viruses

Viruses and Antivirus Programs

Viruses, worms and other computer hazards are becoming more prevalent. OTS has taken considerable measures to protect the campus network (including campus computers and e-mail) from attack.

Read any of the following virus-related topics:


 

What is a Virus?

A computer virus is a program that makes copies of itself, attaches to other programs and performs unwanted or malicious actions when it runs (adapted from a McAfee VirusScan help document).

Helpful Articles and Downloads

 

FAQs About Viruses and McAfee VirusScan

Following are some of the more frequently asked questions about viruses:

  • How can my computer catch a virus?
    If an infected file is run on your computer, then it will start copying itself to other files on your computer as you are working. It could be a file on a disk, one that you have copied from the network or one that you have downloaded from the Internet. It can also begin copying itself across the network or through e-mail.
  • I never share files with anyone. Do I still need to use an antivirus program?
    Although you are at lower risk, you should still use McAfee VirusScan. That way, you don’t have to worry if someone else puts a disk in your computer and transfers a virus into your computer, or if your computer is attacked from another infected computer on the network.
  • What can a virus do to my computer?
    Some viruses are meant to be harmless and display something on the screen, but others can wipe out important data on your hard drive. Viruses can also send large numbers of e-mails to individuals in your address book.
  • How do I know if my computer is infected?
    Sometimes infections are not readily apparent. General performance problems (slow and unresponsive) and unexplained behavior can often be due to a virus or worm. Running McAfee VirusScan (or another virus detection application) and keeping it updated is the only way to detect and prevent infections.
  • How do I know if McAfee VirusScan is installed on my computer?
    On a Windows computer, if you see a shield icon with a red "V" in the lower right hand corner of your screen (by the clock), McAfee VirusScan is installed properly.
  • McAfee VirusScan is installed on my computer. That will protect me from all viruses, right?
    Not necessarily. New viruses are discovered on a daily basis. If you are running Windows 2000 or XP, you should upgrade to VirusScan Enterprise (VSE) 8.0i which is preconfigured to AutoUpdate on a regular basis. Additionally, VSE 8.0i includes basic intrusion prevention features which can, in some cases, help protect your computer against unknown threats.

 

Steps OTS Has Taken to Prevent Infection

OTS has taken a number of steps to prevent infection and protect computers from attacks:

  • e-mail and e-mail attachments are scanned at the mail hubs and Exchange e-mail servers
  • potentially dangerous e-mail attachments are blocked at the mail hubs and Exchange e-mail servers
  • McAfee VirusScan is automatically installed and updated on properly configured campus Windows computers
  • virus alerts are sent in the form of all-campus e-mails, Daily Digest announcements and Web pages
  • campus network hardware is configured to block viruses from attacking computers across the network
  • a campus firewall was implemented to prevent outside intrusion

 

Virus Hoaxes

Some virus alerts are hoaxes. If you receive an e-mail message alerting you to a potential virus, you can search http://www.datafellows.fi/news/hoax to determine if the alert is a hoax.

 

Need Help?

If you're having problems with viruses or McAfee VirusScan, we're here to help! Faculty and staff should contact the OTS Help Center. Students should contact the SCS Service Desk.

 

 

 

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