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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
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