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Campus computer defenses stave off Mydoom virus 10:12 a.m., Feb. 3, 2004--UDs two-tier virus protection system has kept the Mydoom virus in check throughout the campus, but IT User Services advises computer users there are simple steps they should take to assure continued protection. The virus arrives as an e-mail attachment that, if opened, sends itself on to other e-mail addresses and can allow unauthorized access to computers. Because the Universitys server checks e-mail before it gets to desktops and virus protection software checks it at the desktop, Beth Miller of IT-User Services said only a handful of computers at UD got infected with Mydoom. Miller said the best way to protect against Mydoom and other viruses is to turn off all computers each nightor at least press restart every 24 hours. When the computer is restarted or turned off, the virus-protection software runs automatically. Users do not have to do anything else to activate the software, and they likely will not know the protection software is running. The other integral step in protecting against Mydoom and other viruses that copy e-mail lists is to never open any attachments without checking with the sender. Even if you know the sender, if youre not expecting an attachment, dont open it. Your best friend can send you a virus unknowingly if someone has her e-mail address list. The virus can spoof your address, and youll think the e-mail is coming from your friend, Miller said. Students returning to campus with new computers or new operating systems should protect themselves and their e-mail contacts by downloading free virus protection software from the Universitys software website at [http://udeploy.udel.edu]. Miller warned that new computers often come with free virus protection software but users dont realize the software is a trial version that runs for only 90 days. To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |