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Computer Viruses
Computer viruses can be spread through the following methods:
- E-mail messages and e-mail attachments
- Downloading MP3s, movies, or other files through file-sharing
programs
- CD-Rs and DVD-Rs
- Instant Messenger attachments
- Sharing files incorrectly
- Not having the latest security updates on
the computer
Protection
- Virus Scan: All X60 ThinkPads are loaded with Symantec AntiVirus
Corporate Edition, which is updated regularly through the Internet.
It will scan all files before they are opened, renamed, moved,
copied, run, or saved. It can also help repair files if they become
infected. A weekly scan for viruses will automatically run Tuesdays
at 11am. It is important that you allow this scan to run to completion.
- Automatic Updates: Wake Forest will send out security updates or patches to the computer through the campus network. It is, therefore, extremely important that you regularly log on to the wired campus network, even if you live off campus. When you are notified that a new
update is ready to be installed, please allow the update to continue.
Prevention
Viruses also affect the campus network. Network traffic caused by viruses can slow down Internet services or disrupt service for the entire campus. Please react swiftly to IS virus or security warnings to prevent network slow downs or disruptions. Shut down and then restart the computer. Log on and remain connected for at least ten minutes to the campus wired network weekly, even if you live off campus, to receive all necessary virus definitions and security patches.
Repair
If you believe the ThinkPad has become infected with a virus, scan
all the files on the hard drive with Symantec Antivirus. Be sure
you are using the most current virus definitions. These will install
automatically with an Internet connection or can be manually installed.
The scan will report if any files have been infected. You can also scan
a particular file. See the Frequently Asked Questions about Viruses below for instructions to scan for viruses. If you have any questions,
contact the Help Desk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Viruses
I got a message saying "I had sent an e-mail that was rejected because
it contained a virus." I never e-mailed the address. What is going
on?
Viruses often "spoof" e-mail addresses so others may get
a message that looks like it is from you but, in reality, it is
not from you. There is nothing you can do to prevent this. To be
sure you don't have a virus, run Symantec AntiVirus on the ThinkPad.
Someone said they got a message from me that was infected. What
do I do?
First, be sure you actually sent them a message. Viruses
often ‘spoof’ e-mail addresses and if you didn’t
send the person a message, it may be a spoof. There is nothing you
can do to prevent this. If you DID send them a message with an infected
attachment, run Symantec AntiVirus on the ThinkPad (be sure you have
the latest virus definition files).
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How can I be sure that a file on my computer is not infected?
Right-click on the suspected file. Select Scan for viruses. Symantec AntiVirus
will scan the file and tell you if it is infected.
What should I do if I think my computer is infected with
a virus?
Start
Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition by going to Start > Security and Antivirus > Symantec AntiVirus. On the left side of the window select Scan Computer. On the right side of the window, click to place a check beside C: (X60). Click Scan in the lower right corner to begin scanning. The entire C: drive will be scanned.
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What will Symantec AntiVirus do with an infected file?
It will attempt to repair the file. If it cannot, it will place
the file in Quarantine, which prevents the file from being accessed
until
a fix is found or you delete it. Updated virus definitions may have
fixes for quarantined files.
What is the virus scan that runs every Tuesday at 11am?
It is a weekly scan of your hard drive for viruses. It is
important that you allow this scan to run to completion.
Symantec Antivirus automatically updates virus definitions used in these
scans. You can check for virus definition updates yourself
by going to Start > Security and Antivirus > Symantec AntiVirus and clicking the Live Update button.
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