USC Virus Reporting, Information and Security Issues

• To report a virus, email: HelpDesk@gwm.sc.edu.  We will contact the appropriate party so that they can clean the virus and prevent others from being infected by it.  Please include the following in your email:
  
  • Building, floor, lab, room number and which machine is infected
  • Date, time and circumstances surrounding the virus you encountered
  • The version of virus software (if any) installed on the computer (If you're not sure, open the virus software, click "help," and then "about.")
  • The name of the virus and the symptoms
  • Type of file that was infected
   
• To report a security problem, such as someone is trying to hack into your network or computer, or maybe someone is intentionally putting viruses on a computer, etc. - send email to HelpDesk@gwm.sc.edu.  You may also report spammers to the same E-mail address.
   
• To be informed about virus problems on campus, when new virus software versions and DAT files become available at University Technology Services, virus hoaxes, and general virus info, subscribe to the VIRUSPRO LISTSERV.
  
  • Send mail to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.SC.EDU.  Do not include a subject.
  • On the first line of the message type: SUBSCRIBE VIRUSPRO yourfirstname yourlastname (or type: SIGNOFF VIRUSPRO to unsubscribe from the list). Substitute your real first name for yourfirstname and your real last name for yourlastname.
  • Now send the message. You should get back mail saying that you are subscribed to or unsubscribed from the list.

Why Virus Protection?

The image below is shown to emphasize the need to keep machines patched and updated with anti virus software.  

This image shows the timeline and global spread of Code-Red worms.
Image courtesy of http://www.caida.org/analysis/security/code-red/newframes-small-log.gif.

How to Protect Your Data

• Basic Virus Protection Steps That You Should Take:
  
  • Protect yourself by uninstalling Windows Scripting Host.
  • Twice a month go to: Windows Update. Click on "Product Updates" and install "Critical" and "Recommended" updates. These will fix "bugs," plug security holes and give you better programs. Make sure that you have plenty of hard drive space first. Check with your manager or IT person if you are unsure whether or not to do this.
• Install and keep updated, a good anti-virus program on your personal computer. If you don't keep your DAT files updated you are not protected against new viruses. See: USC Site-Licensed Anti-Virus Software.
• Back up important documents, files and papers to more than one floppy disk or machine. If you get a virus or your floppy becomes damaged, you can still recover a great part of your work.
• If you use a lab or a friend's machine, make sure it has a current version of an anti-virus software on it. Scan your disk prior to use and after. Take time to scan the machine you are on.
• If you encounter a virus, notify a lab monitor or the owner of the machine right away. If no one is available, send mail to: HelpDesk@gwm.sc.edu Put a note on the machine indicating it has a virus. This will prevent others from sharing your misfortune.
• Don't panic!! call the University Technology Services Help Desk at (803)777-1800 for assistance.