Students: Secure your computers before plugging into the campus network

10:30 a.m., Aug. 29, 2003--It is essential that new and returning University of Delaware students secure their computer systems before plugging into the campus network upon arrival this Labor Day weekend because virus-infected computers will be disconnected automatically, according to a letter sent last week by UD Information Technologies.

Karl Hassler, associate director for Information Technologies-Network and Systems Services, said the letter reminds students–and a companion letter reminds faculty and staff–that individual users are responsible for keeping their desktop computers secure.

The reminder was sent because of recent attacks of virus-like worms set loose on the Internet.

“Infected systems can severely slow the University of Delaware network and your ability to use it effectively,” Hassler said. “Therefore, when an infected system is detected, it will be automatically disconnected from the University network and the Internet.”

A system that has been disconnected must be cleaned and protective patches must be installed before it can be reconnected, and that can take five to 10 days, Hassler said.

Hassler recommends that students take the following precautions before returning to campus:

• Users of Microsoft Windows XP, NT, 2000 and Server 2003 should follow the directions at [http://www.udel.edu/DCOM] to protect their computers from this attack.

• All users should install McAfee anti-virus software available at [http://udeploy.udel.edu]. If you use a service provider other than the University of Delaware to connect to the Internet, follow the link for using "the University’s web proxy server" on the UDeploy web page.

• For all Microsoft Windows users, configure your computer so that it automatically checks for updates to the Windows operating system. See [http://udeploy.udel.edu/winup.html].

IT-User Services staff members will be available in residence halls on move-in days to assist students who were unable to complete these actions before arrival. Clean-up CDs will be available at the Harrington Computing Site, Rodney A/B Lounge, Dickinson C/D Computing Site and Christiana Commons Computing Site.

Students can even drop off a computer at one of the four sites, and IT staff will clean it for them.

Students also can direct questions to the IT Help Center by calling (302) 831-6000 or sending e-mail to [consult@udel.edu].

With the entertainment industry cracking down on the illegal downloading of music and movies, Hassler also reminds students about their responsibilities concerning copyright-protected materials.

Students who violate copyright laws face sanctions from the UD Office of Judicial Affairs and are subject to prosecution, with fines ranging from $750 to $150,000, he said. For information on responsibilities, see the University’s Responsible Computing Manual at [http://www.udel.edu/ecce/student-toc.html].

To educate students about a wide range of network issues, including copyright infringement, the University has developed the Western-themed Code of the Web campaign featuring the Fightin’ Blue Hens mascot as Sheriff YoUDee.

Sheriff YoUDee will be out and about as students move in on Sunday and Monday, joining IT professionals in handing out information on lime green fliers about the need to secure their computers before plugging into UD’s campus network.

Students also will find Code of the Web bookmarks and posters in their residence hall rooms, and plastic mugs bearing the Code of the Web logo will be distributed by UD Dining Services during the activities night scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Trabant University Center. Code of the Web canvas tote bags were provided to new students and their parents during the summer DelaWorld orientation sessions.

Article by Neil Thomas

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