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Security and Virus Information
Current versions of McAfee Antivirus software,
plus virus removal tools and patches can be obtained by
clicking the button below:
Additionally, ResNet highly recommends that all students regularly
update their operating system with the latest critical updates and patches:
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Windows Updates can be found via Microsoft's Website.
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Mac Updates can be obtained by going to System Preferences
and choosing Software Update.
Computer problems can be attributed to viruses, Trojans, or worms that
have been downloaded onto the host system. These problems can be so small
that they cause only minor difficulties in accessing certain files and
changing settings, or so damaging that they can essentially destroy your system.
click on a question to see the answer
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General Information About Viruses, Trojans, & Worms
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Viruses --
A virus is a computer program written to
maliciously affect the way a computer operates, with or without the knowledge or permission
of the user. A virus replicates itself once it’s on a system to prevent other programs from
working. Viruses can interrupt the execution of programs, delete files, or format your hard
drive. Nevertheless, a virus cannot cause physical damage to your hardware; they just harm
software and data. Some aren’t designed to do any damage at all but simply annoy: bringing
up text, video, and audio messages. Because they are a program themselves, they typically
take up memory that could be used for other programs. This can cause your computer to become
unstable and erratic. Eventually, many viruses may cause your system to crash.
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Trojans --
Trojan Horses are named for their ability
to pose as desirable files. These programs are malicious. They contain code that can result
in the extermination or theft of data from your system by allowing a remote user access to your
computer. For Trojans to run they must be downloaded onto your computer by downloading and
running a file from the Internet (such as an email attachment or a file transfer). The difference
between a Trojan and a virus is that Trojans don’t replicate themselves.
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Worms --
Worms are quite similar to viruses
in that they are usually spread with the transfer of an infected file. However, while
viruses are simply the host file in itself, worms exist as a nasty sub-component in a
transferred file. Worms can take up both memory and network bandwidth and often times
delete files.
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Why is computer security so important?
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Malicious computer crackers,
data-destroying viruses, email spam: these are all threats to your personal security.
Without being properly protected, crackers can gain access to virtually any file or
information stored on your computer through malicious programs. You could possibly lose
all your data or have it manipulated to be come unusable. It is easy to prevent all of
this and surf the Internet without the feeling of insecurity. Simply take a few precautionary
measures listed below and use plain old common sense.
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How often do security violations and virus attacks actually happen anyways?
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More than you’d think. An online
gaming site called GameSpy.com was once providing Arcade Installers that they later realized
had become infected with the dreaded Nimda-E worm, which allows outside users to access a
computer system by creating an extra administrator account in Windows. The program that contained
the worm was downloaded an estimated 3,100 times in just two days. In addition, users of KaZaA are
frequently exposed to malicious programs, one example being the Backdoor.K0wbot.1.3.B. worm, which
contained a backdoor component that allowed remote users to manipulate the infected computer. The
Backdoor worm is only one of the many viruses/worms that have been spread through a peer-to-peer program.
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Hey no worries, I've got a Mac, right?
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What does it mean if my machine has been 'hacked' into?
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If your computer has been "hacked"
into, someone has gained access to your computer without your permission and/or knowledge. If your computer
is hacked into, any private information you have can be shared, others can perform illegal activities
through your computer (leaving you responsible), AND there’s the possibility of LOSING all your data and
programs.
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How do I get infected with a virus, or get hacked?
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Computers that are most susceptible to being
hacked are those running Windows NT/2000/XP with a blank administrator password. Although it is possible
for Windows 95/98/ME machines to be hacked, as well. Viruses can be downloaded with other programs or
files, so be careful when downloading any programs or files from the Internet or from peer-to-peer
programs like KaZaA, Morpheus, and Bearshare. Others can also access your computer through security holes
in un-patched applications and operating systems you are running, so make sure you are get all applicable
security patches from the manufacturer’s website.
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What are some signs that my computer may be infected or hacked into?
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If you start up your computer and see random
"black screens" (command prompts) pop up and close.
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If your computer is really fast, but
starts running slow all of a sudden. This could mean your computer is running programs that you
don’t know about.
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If you’re getting a lot of email
returned with virus warnings.
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If you see your computer icons 1
running away from you as you try to click on them, or if your computer decides to "chat"
with you.
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If you don’t have an anti-virus
program or haven’t updated it recently, your machine might have been infected and/or hacked into.
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How do I secure my computer from viruses and hackers?
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The only method that is 100%
is to isolate the computer from all other computers and the Internet. Obviously, this is
not a real option, so you must take as many reasonable precautions that you can. Here is
a list of things that you should do to prevent viruses:
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Install an anti-virus software
package. You can get McAfee VirusScan free of charge by going to the circulation desk
at Collins Memorial Library or downloading it by clicking the link at the top of this page.
It is well worth the time and effort to protect your computer and data.
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Make sure that your anti-virus
software is updated on a regular basis. Click here to Update your McAfee VirusScan Software
now.
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Be very careful when opening
attachments, and never open up an attachment ending in .exe or .com from a source you don't know
or don't trust.
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Make sure that your email client
is updated with patches and fixes from the manufacturer’s website. If you are using Microsoft
Outlook or Outlook Express, this is especially important, as many viruses are taking advantage
of security flaws in these products. You can check for updates via Windows Update.
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Update your operating system to
the latest version. Windows Updates can be found here.
Mac Updates must be done by going to System Preferences and choosing Software Update.
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What do I do if I think my machine has been infected or hacked?
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Disconnect your machine from the
network it is connected until you find out more about the virus or security breach you have.
This will keep your computer from infecting other computers or from hackers continuing to
violate your system.
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Install an anti-virus software
package. You can get McAfee VirusScan free of charge by going to the circulation desk at
Collins Memorial Library or downloading it by clicking the link at the top of this page.
It is well worth the time and effort to protect your computer and data.
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Make sure that your anti-virus
software is updated on a regular basis.
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Call ResNet at x8585 if you think
your machine is infected or hacked. We will help you determine what is going on with your
machine. If you get a virus and did not have an anti-virus program installed with current
virus definition (DAT) files, ResNet can do little to resolve your problem.
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If you find a virus on your
computer, check out http://www.symantec.com/avcenter
to find out more about it.
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What’s the worst thing I can do if I do have a virus?
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