Spam, Viruses
On January 13th many users received emails that appeared to be from Hallmark or IKEA. Most users were suspicious and reported the email to the Security Team then deleted the email. But users from 20 different locations opened the attachments which contained a Trojan virus. There were 21 confirmed computer infections. The virus used their Outlook address book to email itself out to other users on the EDMC Network. It is estimated over 100 man hours were spent responding to the Outbreak and in lost production because the infected users needed their computer cleaned before being allowed back onto the Network .
As the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat.” It can also kill your computer. An innocent looking email encouraging you to open that attached document, or the IM message prodding you to check out the picture of you by clicking on the embedded link can be the fatal weapon. You’re surfing the Internet and a pop appears on your screen saying that a virus was detected on your computer; all you have to do is click on the link to install virus protection software. Don’t believe it. These are just a few of the ways users are duped into downloading malicious code onto the computers.
How to avoid becoming a victim
X-file fans will remember the saying “Trust No One.” If you do not know the sender of the communication, assume it is bad and delete it. If you do recognize the sender, get a confirmation that they indeed sent you the communication. Computers infected with a computer worm <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm> can send themselves via E-mail or Instant Messaging making it appeared that it was sent from an individual that you may know.
Many people belong to P2P (Peer to Peer) Networks a.k.a. File-Sharing sites (Limewire, Kazaa, etc.) to download music or video files. You’re taking a big risk when you use P2P on your home computer. Do you have any idea what extras you may be downloading from these unknown sources? Not only does P2P expose you to infection, others can easily get around controls to access all of your personal files <http://www.wpxi.com/consumer/14707896/detail.html> . Did you know that you may be sharing your identity? Remember, only approved software is to be installed on EDMC issued computers and P2P software is not approved.
You’re surfing the Internet and suddenly get a popup saying your computer has spyware on it or it is infected with a virus and you need to download their software to clean your computer. Don’t fall for it. This is a ploy to download malicious code to control your computer or install ‘rogue <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_software> ’ software. Once they highjack your computer they make you pay them to uninstall it. HINT: Be careful, don’t click the “Close” button or the “x” to close this popup. The program that is running may install the code by clicking on one of these. On a Windows system use “Alt+F4 <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question266.htm> ” to close the window without clicking on it.
IMPORTANT: Make sure your computer has the most current version of antivirus software and operating system patches. On EDMC issued computers the IT department deploys updates for your antivirus and Operating System. For your home computer, this Microsoft <http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/default.mspx> link can help you understand how to protect it.
Remember
Security Begins With You
Other reference sites:
http://www.computerhope.com/vlist.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Avoid-Malware-on-Your-Computer&id=466044
http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/virusinfo/virus.aspx?id=77083
Did You Know?: The Elk Cloner is one of the first known microcomputer viruses that spread "in the wild," i.e., outside the computer system or lab in which it was written. It was written around 1982 by a 15-year-old high school student named Rich Skrenta for Apple II systems.