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Frequently Asked Questions about Viruses

Are you an informed user?

Responsible computer users are informed. They know that, although cyberspace is a useful and fun place to be, it also contains traps for the unwary. By learning some simple principles and practicing a little caution, you can keep your computer free from malware -- programs such as viruses, adware and spyware that can cause headaches for and your computer.

Use this page to find answers to common questions about viruses/spyware/adware and learn how to protect yourself.

 

FAQs

Q. What is a virus?

A virus is a computer program that is designed to harm your computer and your data. It is called a virus because - like most malware - it is designed to spread undetected from computer to computer. At worst, they can crash your system

Q. What is adware?

Adware is a program, usually designed to run hidden. You may not be aware it is running on your computer, but its main purpose is to show you ads. When you view an ad, the person who created the program gets paid. If you are experiencing lots of "pop-up windows" when you surf the net or use your computer, you may have adware on your machine. More than just an annoyance, it can actually slow down your system and cause conflicts with other programs.

Q. What is spyware?

Spyware is a program designed to run hidden. While you are using your computer, it is secretly collecting data about you -- the words you type, the email addresses in your address book, or even credit card numbers you enter to purchase items online. Spyware is one of the leading causes of identity theft in the United States.

Q. How can I protect myself from these threats?

Although some viruses can attack at random, most of the time the cannot install without some action on the part of the user. That means you, knowingly or not, have to do something to allow the program on your machine. That's why it is important to be aware and be smart.

Please see this site for more virus protection tips: McAfee virus detection & prevention tips

Also, it helps to stay informed about the latest threats: McAfee list of newly discovered threats

 

Email attachments: Is it a virus?
 
· Does the file come from a stranger?

A stranger has no business sending you a file. It's sure to be a virus.

· Does the file come from an official sounding source?

Official sources, especially computer services staff, know better than to send you an unexpected attachment. They'd tell you where to download the file from. You may receive unsolicited files as e-mail attachments or from correspondents on chat programs.

· Does the file come from a friend or colleague?

A friend or colleague might send you an attachment, but the message could easily come from a virus. If you are unsure, write back and ask for verification.

· Does the message give you reason to trust it?

The message accompanying a virus is designed to trick you into opening the virus file. Be wary.

 

 A friend or colleague can write a message that leaves know doubt who it is from by including information that couldn't be forged -- unique experiences you've shared or a specific reference to a project you are working on.

· What is the name of the file?

The name of a document typically ends with .doc or .pdf. Although it's possible for a virus to be contained in a document file, they are more typically found in executable files -- those which end in .bat, .cmd, .com, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .vbs. One of these formats screams virus.

Some viruses send a message with a .zip file type and ask you to open (which will run the enclosed virus file). ZIP is normally used to compress a large file or group several files as one. Anyone sending a ZIP file should include a good explanation that leaves no doubt who is sending it and what it is.

Viruses sometimes use long file names that starts with something that looks safe but really ends with a number of spaces followed by the real (executable) file type. Windows only displays the start of a long file name. Don't be fooled.

 

 

Q. I have a file I think might contain a virus. Can't I just scan it?

Yes and No. Anti-virus programs scan for known viruses. If an anti-virus program says a file is a virus, then it is. If an anti-virus program says a file is not a virus, then it may be a new virus.

When a new virus begins spreading, there is a period when anti-virus programs will not detect it. Once the virus is spotted, the anti-virus companies must analyze it, prepare a new virus definition, and distribute the new definition file. During that interval you may receive a virus file that won't be identified.

Q. I tried to change my McAfee settings, but the options are all grayed out. Is it working?

All Truman-owned Windows computers have special software that keep VirusScan up-to-date.  This software configures McAfee for you and will not allow you to make changes. It also constantly monitora the protection levels throughout the network, allowing a much quicker response to security threats and outbreaks. You won't need to change any settings. 

 

 

Q. How can I make sure that my AntiVirus is up-to-date and enabled?

Right-click on the icon that has a V on a shield in the lower right-hand corner.  
Then choose About VirusScan Enterprise.  A window will appear that looks like this:

Your VirusScan Enterprise should be 8.5i or above and with virus definirtions

Virus Definitions:  
Created On:  
Scan Engine:  

If any of the values above are not up-to-date, Right-click on the VirusScan logo and Choose Update Now...

If your VirusScan Logo looks like this:  (red "No" symbol on it), VirusScan is disabled. To renable right click icon and select enable. If further issues arise please contact the Help Desk.

 

Q. Can I manually scan my computer for viruses?

Sure. Here's how:

1. Find the magnifying glass icon (VirusScan On-Access Scan is Enabled) in the "System Tray" - the area of Windows Task Bar at the bottom of your screen at the far right.

Right-click it.

2. From the pop-up menu select On-Demand Scan....

3. Click the Start button.

4. An animated Progress screen will be displayed. The status bar will show Scanning files... and the number Scanned:

5. Hopefully, when the scan is complete, the status bar will show No infected items were found, the number of files Scanned, and Infected: 0.

If this is the case, close the program. Otherwise, follow the on-screen instructions.