Virus and Spyware Protection
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 and links
- Sharing files incorrectly
- Not having the latest security updates on the computer
Protection
- Virus Scan: All ThinkPads are loaded with Symantec Antivirus, 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 11 a.m. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Viruses
I got a message saying “I 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. 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).
Is the ThinkPad protected against viruses?
Yes. Virus-protection software is loaded when Windows XP starts. If you disable this software, you will no longer be protected and this could mean the loss of the entire contents of the hard drive. Viruses can spread through e-mail, shared files and instant messaging.
How can I be sure that a file on the 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 the 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:. Click Scan in the lower right corner to begin scanning. The entire C: drive will be scanned.
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 11 a.m.?
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.
Extra Protection:
All incoming WFU e-mail is scanned for known viruses before it is delivered to you. In the event that you are sent an infected e-mail, the infected message will not be delivered.
BEWARE: No scanning system is perfect.
Attachments (from e-mail or instant messaging) can still contain viruses. If you are unsure about an attachment, contact the sender and confirm that they did intend to send you the attachment before you open it.
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