Elizabethtown College ITS News 
Back to top 3/31/2009 Warning to Campus about Phishing, Conficker and Bogus Antivirus Scares Faculty, Staff and Students, It is always important to be sure that your anti-virus software (Symantec), your anti-spyware software (Webroot) and your Windows Operating System are up-to-date. It may be particularly important to do this TODAY as there is the potential of a massive worldwide computer infection tomorrow. (This is NOT an April Fools joke.) This threat is known as Conficker. It is also identified as Downadup or Kido. This worm is set to contact its creator for instructions April 1 and no one knows if the instructions will be mild or disrupt the entire Internet. This malicious malware hides in trusted Internet sites like Facebook and infects your computer if the computer is not fully updated (operating system updates-Windows and Vista, Symantec Antivirus definition updates, Webroot definition updates) and if Symantec and Webroot aren’t running. It only takes one click on a link and your computer is compromised. More information can be found at these sites:
What to do
There are additional threats that have been circulating around campus. Information on these can be found below. Sincerely, Ron Heasley Dir. of ITS --------------------------------------------------- Phishing and Malware Infections Hit Elizabethtown College Computers 1. “Mailbox Has Exceeded Storage Limit” Phishing Attack DO NOT REPLY. This is a phishing attack. Your personal information can be stolen and the network can be seriously damaged. The subject line says “Mailbox Has Exceeded Storage Limit” and is signed: “Thank you for your cooperation. The message asks you to send your username and password by reply email so the system administrator can your increase mailbox size.System Administrator” “To help us re-set your SPACE on our database prior to maintain your INBOX, you must contact your system administrator by replying this e-mail and enter your: Current Username: { } and PW: { } to increase your storage limit.” How to tell this message or others is not from ITSITS NEVER asks for your username and password. Messages from ITS are ALWAYS signed by a staff member. What to do
2. Bogus Antivirus Scares Numerous Elizabethtown College computer users have been fooled into thinking they have a virus and must install a special program to get rid of it. Typically a pop up appears with the notice “You are infected! Click this link for more information!” The notices can direct you to Windows Antivirus 2009, AV 360 or others. The only reason for the pop up is to make you buy the ineffective antivirus program for $30 or more. Once you click on any link in the pop up, your computer is infected with the malware. Pop ups will proliferate and encourage other viruses or malware to land on your computer. How to know the virus alert is bogus College computers use Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition and Webroot . Only respond to alerts from these programs What to do
Back to top 3/20/2009 Updated: Notice of Wireless Outage The wireless disruption that began on Friday, March 20th has been resolved. Wireless connectivity should now be available in all wireless locations. Additional problems should be reported to the Helpdesk at x3333. Additional information on the wireless systems can be found here. Back to top 3/18/2009 Fall 2009 Computer Specifications ITS has published the recommended and minimum computer specifications for the fall 2009 semester. Anyone looking to purchase a new computer (incoming or existing students) are strongly encouraged to review these specifications before selecting a computer. Hardware and software discounts are also available through select vendors. Click here for the specifications and additional information. |
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