Client Services Enterprise Operations & Solutions Teaching & Learning (CITL) Information Security

What is a Virus?
A virus is a small program that can attach itself to other software and/or files and replicate itself, spreading the infection to any computer that uses the corrupted software/files. It can spread through floppy diskettes, or even email messages. Every virus is slightly different from the next one in what it does, and they often mutate to worsen the severity of their damage if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are very important.

What are some different types of viruses?
1. Boot sector viruses are usually transmitted when an infected floppy disk is left in the drive and the system is rebooted. The virus is read from the infected boot sector of the floppy disk and written to the master boot record of the system's hard drive.
2. Program or file viruses are pieces of viral code that attach themselves to executable programs. Once the infected program is run, the virus is transferred to your system's memory and may replicate itself further.
3. Macro viruses are currently the most commonly found viruses. They infect files run by applications that use macro languages, like Microsoft Word or Excel.
4. Multipartite viruses have characteristics of both boot sector viruses and file viruses. They may start out in the boot sector and spread to applications, or vice versa.
5. A worm is a program that replicates itself, but does not necessarily infect other programs. Examples of recent worms are Melissa and ILOVEYOU, both of which caused widespread havoc. These worms replicated themselves by e-mail using Outlook address books.

Does Stern offer virus protection?
Yes. Norton AntiVirus software is installed on all Stern computers and servers. Norton automatically scans all inbound and outbound files to and from a computer in the Stern complex and all network drives including users' h: drives. Users can also scan their h: drive or floppy disks on demand (click on the Norton icon on the desktop of the computer).

In addition, Stern has an anti-virus filter on the mail server. The filter removes infected attachments from email messages.

What do I do if I detect a virus?
If a virus is detected, the system will automatically clean or quarantine the infected file and notify the user. As new viruses are created every day, it is possible that a virus would not be recognized by anti-virus software. If you have a reason to believe that your laptop has been infected with a virus, visit the IT HelpDesk (Tisch UC-120) for assistance.

Where can I get virus protection for my laptop?
Virus protection software can be purchased from any computer store (the NYU Computer Store is located at 242 Greene Street). On average, virus protection software packages cost anywhere from $40 - $80.

NYU students, including Stern students, have access to download Symantec Endpoint for Windows. To download, login to NYU Home and click on Ask ITS from the top center screen, then look under the ITS Software section for links to the downloads. Alternatively, click here to download the Symantec Endpoint protection, you will be required to login with your Stern NetID and password.

What measures can I take to prevent getting a virus?
Always be careful whenever you're installing software or downloading files. Installing virus-scan software is the best option, but it's also extremely important to keep your anti-virus software updated with current anti-virus definitions. Check regularly with the manufacture of the software for updates to their product. This can usually be done at the manufacture’s Web site.

Where can I get more information regarding viruses and anti-virus software?
http://www.symantec.com/norton/security_response/index.jsp