About Computer Viruses
In general terms a computer virus or worm is malicious code that corrupts data by writing over reserved areas of the operating system or attaches itself to other programs. Viruses originally spread through removable media; more recent viruses and worms exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems and email programs.
Never open unsolicited or unexpected email attachments. A virus/worm can be attached to an e-mail with any subject, from anyone, even those people you correspond with regularly.
Find information about virus/worm attacks affecting the UNM campus network at IT Alerts.
Commercial sites, like Symantec and McAffee keep current information about viruses and worms.
Because no single method is adequate to protect a computer from viruses, IT recommends the following steps for safe computing:
- Buy and install antivirus software.
- Check for virus definition updates daily and install when available (check your specific software for definition update procedures).
- Locate your documents/data in a central location, e.g., My Documents and scan the directory for viruses daily.
- Check your antivirus software for version updates weekly and install when available.
- Scan the entire hard drive once a week for viruses.
- Always scan removable media (zip, USB drives) when used.
- Make regular back-ups of important documents/data.
What to do if you think your computer has a virus
- Check the virus alerts section for latest information.
- To avoid infecting others, disconnect your computer from the network until you isolate the problem.
- Make sure you have an antivirus program installed and that you have the latest antivirus definition files.
- Run your antivirus software to scan for viruses. It should make recommendations for fixing the problem.
- Check the hoax lists to make sure that it is not just a hoax.
If you are still unsure contact IT Customer Support Services, 277.5757