Frequently Asked Questions
Viruses, Trojans and Worms
How do I protect myself from computer viruses?
- Install anti-virus software on your computer
McAfee anti-virus is available to all TU faculty,
staff, and students free of charge, for use on
systems located at home and at the university. Go to
OTS software downloads to download.
- Update your virus definitions regularly
New virus identities (IDE) from McAfee are released
almost every day. By applying these IDE files, you
ensure that your system is fully protected between
monthly updates. See the
OTS Download page for further information, as
well as information on how to perform an automatic
or manual installation of the IDE files.
Additionally, McAfee gives you the latest virus
warnings and news by e-mail... subscribe to
McAfee e-mail notification services.
- Use good judgment when opening strange e-mail
attachments and/or files
Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you
don't know. It is wise to check with a known user if
you receive an attachment from them that you were
not expecting. The type of attachment can be a tip,
as well. If you get an e-mail attachment that ends
with two periods, such as .txt.doc, .xls.exe, or any
combination of file extensions, DO NOT OPEN IT! To
find out the real name of an attachment, right click
on it and choose "properties". If the file has an
.exe, .vbs, .com, .cmd, .pif, or .lnk extension, do
not open it UNLESS you were expecting it or it was
sent by a known (trusted) user and you have
confirmed that they meant to send it to you.
- Backup your data
The original file that's become infected or was
destroyed can be restored if you have it backed up.
-
OTS software downloads
-
McAfee e-mail notification
How can I tell if a message warning me of a virus
threat is real or not?
It is true that many messages warning about viruses
are actually e-mail hoaxes designed to frighten people
and desensitize them to real virus threats. A list of
known virus hoaxes is available at the
Symantec Security Response - Hoax Page. It is best
to rely on known dependable sources of accurate
information. When REAL virus threats come to bear the
ISO posts information about them.
What do I do if I think my computer is infected with
a virus or otherwise compromised?
If you have reason to believe that your computer has
been the victim of a virus or other compromise, there
are some important steps to take and points to remember
as you investigate.
- Remain calm! Remove your computer from the
network (e.g., unplug the Ethernet cable and disable
any wireless connections).
- Record any error message or details about the
possible compromise.
- Do not use your system for further work, and
don't add/change/remove any files.
- Check to see if your computer has anti-virus
software, and the last time the virus definitions (DATs)
were updated. Make sure they were updated within the
last day.
- Check to see if you've applied all the latest
operating system patches for your system.
- If you have anti-virus software that is up to
date, scan all files on your computer and clean any
infected files.
- If you're still not sure your machine is clean
and uncompromised, contact the your departmental IT
support or the OTS Help Desk at 4-5551.
- It may turn out that your computer was not
compromised, but if it is, the above recommendations
can help minimize risk to your files, and could
possibly aid in identifying the source of the
intrusion.
I keep getting e-mail messages returned to me, but I
never sent such a message. Does this mean I have a
virus?
No. The majority of e-mail worm viruses in circulation
forge the return address field of the infected messages
they send, using an e-mail address found on the infected
computer. You are receiving the bounce messages because,
on an infected computer, your e-mail address was found
and used by the virus to forge the return address. You
will likely continue to receive such messages until the
person with the infected computer realizes it and
removes the virus. Nonetheless, there is never a bad
time to make sure that you have up-to-date antivirus
protection on your computer and to scan your system for
known viruses.
Why should I use McAfee AntiVirus instead of
Symantec or Norton?
There are a few advantages of using McAfee AntiVirus.
- McAfee AntiVirus has already been paid for
- McAfee AntiVirus updates itself automatically
without any action required by the user
- McAfee AntiVirus is what OTS supports. If you
have problems related to another antivirus product,
OTS may not be able to help resolve them.
How can I tell if I have any antivirus software
installed on my computer?
It really depends on the specific software your
computer may be running. Most antivirus programs have
icons that sit in the system tray of your computer's
desktop (for Microsoft Windows) to indicate their
activity. Looking there is a good way to tell if you
have antivirus software, and which software package it
is. Also, most antivirus software will display a "splash
screen" when the software starts (usually, automatically
when your computer has just been turned on).
My computer has already been infected by a virus,
will installing McAfee remove the virus?
Generally, no. If you have already been infected by a
virus, it is best to have the virus removed before
antivirus software is installed. Please contact the OTS
HelpDesk and arrange for assistance.
I need to install McAfee AntiVirus. How can I do
that?
Installing McAfee AntiVirus is a simple and quick
thing to do. The package and instructions for
installation can be found at the
Software Downloads page of the OTS Web site.
Information Security Office
Office of Technology Services
Cook Library, 4
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
E-mail:
infosec@towson.edu
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