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This document is intended to help CSN staff and students to protect themselves against computer viruses, worms, and other forms of malicious code. Note that suggestions regarding external services and products are provided for your convenience and should not be regarded as endorsements or guarantees of reliability. The following topics are presented here:
- What is a virus?
- What do viruses do?
- How should I protect myself?
- I think I received a virus in my e-mail. What should I do?
- Where can I find the latest news about viruses?
- Can I be notified automatically when there is a threat?
- Is virus protection software available?
- I have the anti-virus software installed, is my computer safe now?
- How do I update my virus protection? How often?
- How can I tell if it's a hoax?
- What other resources are available?
- How do I get help?
What is a virus?
Essentially it is a program or piece of software code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and run against your wishes. Most viruses also have an ability to replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
The use of a good anti-virus program has become a necessity. These programs can be used to periodically check your computer system for the best-known types of viruses. Some people distinguish between general viruses and worms. A worm is a special type of virus that can replicate itself and use memory, but cannot attach itself to other programs.
What do viruses do?
Most viruses are comparatively harmless, and may be present for years with no noticeable effect: some, however, may cause random damage to data files (sometimes insidiously, over a long period) or attempt to destroy files and disks. Others cause unintended damage. Even benign viruses (apparently non-destructive viruses) cause significant damage by occupying disk space and/or main memory, by using up CPU processing time, and by the time and expense wasted in detecting and removing them." (Source: excerpted with permission from the Virus FAQ.)
Many viruses are disguised in e-mail attachments with an interesting name. When a curious computer user receives the mail and opens the attachment, the virus attempts to modify the registry in order to copy itself into the Windows directory. The virus will then attempt to send infected mail messages to all addresses in the Windows Address Book. Other viruses may be ‘caught’ by using suspect web-sites.
By causing congestion through self-propagation, a virus can also cause mail server performance problems. Be advised that the subject line and attachment name may change as the virus spreads! Macro viruses are becoming an increasing threat for users of Microsoft Office products such as MS-Word, MS-Excel, and MS-Powerpoint.
So how should I protect myself?
The simplest solution is to ensure that you have anti-virus protection software installed (you should notice that NOD32 is preinstalled on the college computers). Also be sure to scan any removable media disks you are using prior to use (the NOD32 software should do this automatically for you for example, but not all anti-virus software will do so). For instance, if you are using a USB flash drive on one of the college desktops, always ensure that you scan the disk before you open any files on it. Remember, the primary responsibility for ensuring you do not contract a computer virus or spread/infect other computers with a virus lies with you!
If you have anti-virus software installed on your computer at home, make sure that you update the software regularly! If the anti-virus software is already up-to-date you should see a dialog box confirming this. In this case you need not do anything more, otherwise update immediately. Even if you have an up-to-date anti-virus software package installed, you may still be at risk from malware. An increasing number of viruses cannot be ‘cleaned’ by simply running the latest anti-virus checker. If you are already infected, preventing further infection is the wisest course of action. Some simple guidelines for you to follow:
- Scan your files/disks for viruses at regular intervals
- Be very careful when using/opening e-mail attachments
- NEVER open any e-mail attachment unless you are expecting the file and know it is from a reliable source, especially if you are using Windows OS
- Always, always back up your files – then back-up the back-up!
- Stay informed, try to keep up with the latest news about viruses
- Don't spread rumours or pass along unverified notices regarding computer viruses. If you are in doubt, alert the IT department immediately
- If your home system/flash USB drive is already infected, try to get professional help if necessary
- If you are at CSN and you receive an email that you believe contains a virus, or think your machine may already be infected with a virus, contact the IT department immediately
I think I might have received a virus in my e-mail. What should I do?
First, never open the attachment unless you are absolutely sure it is from a reliable source. Often infected e-mail messages invite you to click on an attached file and/or link. Don't be tempted! The Attachments/links are most likely virus executables that will infect the computer. In some cases it's easy to see that the message is just "junk" mail. But messages often appear to originate from an ‘official’ source such as Microsoft, AIB, etc. Just remember that official sources never send important data or software patches as e-mail attachments. If you are in doubt about any message you receive, contact the IT department.
Where can I find the latest news about viruses?
There are many ways to find out about the latest viruses on the Internet. Some web sites provide general information, while others are more technical. We recommend that you try to familiarise yourself with a few of them and use the sources that are most helpful and convenient. A continuously updated list of the latest threats is always provided at
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/i.shtml
Can I be notified automatically when there is a threat?
Yes. We will endeavour to inform you via email about the most serious threats. Please provide information about your web-based email account if you wish to avail of this service via virus alerts@csn.ie.
Where can I get free antivirus software?
Many vendors offer free or ‘lite’ versions of their anti-virus software for use on home computers only. Two popular versions may be downloaded via one of the following links
I have anti-virus software installed, is my computer safe now?
Not necessarily. As we have said you will still need to download updates regularly. Most experts recommend that you download updates at least once a week, and more frequently if you hear that a virus is spreading.
How do I update my virus protection? How often?
Immediately after installation and periodically thereafter you should run the Virus Update feature, a component of the software, to update your virus definition files. Failure to update your virus definition files will leave your computer vulnerable to new viruses. If you are a member of staff with a dedicated office space you may do this yourself by following the directions given.
How can I tell if it's a hoax?
You can’t. Hoaxes normally involve phoney announcements, warnings, or instructions. One recent type of hoax involves e-mail that purports to come from an official source, but is in fact a virus. Often infected e-mail messages that appear to originate from an official source such as Microsoft invite you to click on an attached file. You should never do this.
If you receive an e-mail message that suggests you forward it to everyone you know, it's very probably either a hoax or a chain letter. Distributing chain letters is against CSN policy, so don't send these messages to others. Before distributing some dire warning to all of your friends or mailing lists, we recommend that you make sure it is not a hoax. Here are sources of information about hoaxes and myths:
What other resources are available?
To learn more about viruses and how they work, check the alt.comp.virus FAQ.Check Google groups for Usenet discussion forums on computing and other issues. See the Stay Safe Online Web site for additional tips on computer security.
How do I get help?
To get assistance with a virus infection, contact the IT department in the first instance or check the relevant web sites.
Secure Computing: Free Virus Protection With AntiVir Personal Edition
One of the most common questions students ask is: What kind of anti-virus should I use? The answer, of course, is one with regularly updated virus definitions! As it turns out there are many choices for anti-virus software. You can choose from any of the commercial applications Norton, MacAffee, etc., which are definitely effective and provide an almost overwhelming amount of features, but if you’re looking to save money, free personal anti-virus applications are a very sound choice as well. Let's take a look at one of the better reliable free options.
AntiVir AntiVir Personal
AntiVir’s AntiVir Personal Edition is a popular and well rounded anti-virus solution. AntiVir scans quickly and efficiently, is light on system resources, and provides real-time protection with AntiVir Guard. The personal version is completely free for private (home) use.
Installation is a smooth process. If you’re looking to quickly secure your PC with AntiVir select the Complete install. Personally I like to have a bit more control over components during installation. If you have any doubts on what components you need, err on the side of caution with a full install.
AntiVir allows you to update the virus database right away during installation so you can activate a thorough full system scan right away.
After a successful installation you are prompted to register with AntiVir. Registration is certainly not required, but if this is the first time using AntiVir you might be interested in getting up to date updates and news.
The full system scans are surprisingly quick. While scanning, a window pops up to show the progress. There is also the ability to pause, stop, and resume a scan from this panel.
As with any anti-virus program you will notice a lag in performance during an active scan. If possible schedule a full system scan for off hours. To schedule a scan launch the AntiVir UI and go to View \ Administration \ Scheduler.
Highlight the default Complete System Scan and give the job a name and description.
Then select a profile or what you want to have scanned in this job. As you can see you can do a complete system scan or narrow it down to individual sections.
The next step is to choose a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule and time for the scan. This is where you can schedule it for “off-hours”. The actual time is military so you know if it’s AM or PM.
Finally choose the display mode the UI will have while scanning. You can select Maximized, Minimized, or Invisible. Also you can have your computer shut down after the scan to save power and add to your Green Computing.
AntiVir will integrate into Windows Explorer so you can scan individual files.
If a virus is detected you can get detailed information from the AntiVir database. This comes in handy for several reasons. You find out the threat level of the malware, specific removal instructions if necessary, or may determine it is a false positive.
AntiVir does have a pop up screen urging you to purchase a premium version every time you update the definition database, but that seems a minor inconvenience for free anti-virus protection.
One final feature to point out is Reporting. You can get a detailed text based report or all scans and updates that take place.
