Virus and Worm Prevention
Academic Computing Handbook 2007-2008 | DoIT

The University uses McAfee Antivirus software on all desktops and on the University e-mail server. You should make sure that it is installed, operating, and up-to-date on your computer. It should be configured to auto-update daily. If you have any doubts about this, call the Help Desk at 312-341-4357.

Most viruses enter the University as e-mail attachments and are spread when unsuspecting users open attachments. There is a simple rule that will prevent most such infections. The rule is: Never open an e-mail attachment that you are not expecting to receive, even if it is from someone that you know. Call the sender on the phone to verify the validity of a questionable attachment.

Another way that viruses spread is via removable media (floppy disks, USB drives, etc,.). Never use removable storage media whose origins are unknown to you. If you are ever in doubt, use McAfee’s disk scan utility to scan the item for known virus signatures before you use it.

You can also use McAfee’s disk scan utility to scan and disinfect your desktop computer’s hard drive. In fact, the prudent user scans his hard drives on a regular basis. McAfee’s utility is named Stinger and is updated several times each month. During periods of extensive virus activity, it may be updated several times a day. Before using Stinger, be sure to download its latest version. Stinger is very easy to use. Simply download it, and double-click on its icon. Stinger does the rest. If you like, you can tweak its configurations by editing its preferences file. Stinger’s download site is
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ 

In the event that you believe that your computer has been infected, call the Help Desk at 312-341-4357. There is no reason for embarrassment. Virus makers are clever and have successfully tricked even the most experienced computer users.

The worst of the Internet’s viruses and worms take advantage of security vulnerabilities in the leading operating systems and applications. When Microsoft and Apple discover such vulnerabilities, their programmers create “patches” which they then distribute from their Web sites. All Roosevelt computer users are required to install all necessary operating system and application patches as soon as they are released. The only way to effectively do this is to configure your computer to “Auto-update” daily. Both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems support auto-update of security patches. If you have difficulty configuring your computer to auto-update, please call the Help Desk at 312-341-4357.

Microsoft and Apple never distribute patches via e-mail! If you receive an e-mail message offering a patch or a link to a patch, delete it immediately. Instead of carrying a patch, the message probably contains a virus. Virus authors are devious and often trick unsuspecting and conscientious users into doing something they will come to regret.

Finally, beware of virus warnings that come to you via e-mail. Virus hoaxes are nearly as rampant as viruses, and have much the same effect; they waste time, money, and digital resources. One of the best sources of information about virus hoaxes is McAfee’s virus information library at http://vil.nai.com/vil/hoaxes.asp.

[Rev. 17 September 2007]

Academic Computing Handbook | DoIT