Information Systems and Computing helps students avoid winter viruses

For many members of the University community, the prospect of catching a computer virus can be frightening. But it doesn't need to be -- and for about two hours yesterday morning, Information and Systems Computing officials distributed virus protection programs and offered free advice on protecting your computer at the Computing Resource Center. "Backing up your computer is the most important way to protect yourself," said University Computer Security Officer Dave Millar, who organized the event. "Many people work on papers for hours or even days, only to have them vanish due to a computer crash or failure to save properly." Millar set up a table just inside the doorway of CRC. In addition to distributing free antivirus Vi-Spy software and literature about viruses and e-mail, muffins and coffee were provided to those who stopped by for advice. "It's important to stay up-to-date with your antivirus programs," said Millar. "You need to have the latest virus definitions to be able to combat the latest viruses." Millar added that viruses are an ongoing headache for the University community. "Every two or three months a department will report that it is having a virus problem." In addition to viruses, Millar also provided computer users with information addressing safe e-mail procedures. "People think that you can't get an e-mail virus, but a virus can be sent as an attachment," he said. Millar further explained that e-mail programs such as Eudora often automatically open attached files, possibly activating a virus. "You should make sure that you scan attached files for viruses before opening them," he added. Along the same lines, however, Millar acknowledged that many chain e-mails warning about e-mail viruses are simply hoaxes. "The best thing to do if you receive [a chain letter warning about an e-mail virus] is to notify us." Yesterday's program, which lasted from 9-11 a.m., was spurred by a nationwide effort to build awareness about viruses, Millar said. Millar's colleague Steve Thompson added his advice on the problems associated with e-mail privacy. "Write your e-mail as if it was public," he warned. Thompson, who spent part of the morning on Locust Walk in front of The Book Store trying to generate interest in the topic of computer viruses, answered one student's query about an e-mail "bomb." An e-mail bomb is a deluge of messages intended to overflow a user's inbox, causing a backup in the system along with other technical problems. "We research e-mail bombs as cases," he said. Thompson also emphasized the importance of reporting viruses, e-mail bombs and any other internet problems to the ISC office at security@isc.upenn.edu.