What should I do if I receive a computer virus alert message via email?

Note: For a list of resources to help you find information about particular viruses, see the "More information" section of What are computer viruses, and where can I find more information?

The University Information Security Office (UISO) sends messages to Indiana University students, faculty, and staff when IU computers are identified as having a virus. If you receive one of these messages, contact your local Support Center for assistance.

Microsoft Forefront, the antivirus program that IU uses to protect Exchange servers, automatically sends messages in response to detected viruses. However, these automated messages may not always indicate actual infection. For more, see What does it mean if I receive a message from Microsoft Forefront telling me that I have an ExceedinglyNested virus?

Timely security information, including notices of new viruses, is available on the UISO Bulletins page. These notices are intended to alert the larger, non-technical user community of widespread virus outbreaks at IU. UISO has also established a university-wide LISTSERV mailing list dedicated to virus discussions. This list, virus-l@listserv.indiana.edu, is unmoderated and open to anyone wishing to stay abreast of virus information, outbreaks, and protection methods at IU. For more about protection, see UISO's Protecting Against Viruses page.

Lastly, while it is certainly possible that a virus alert is credible, virus alert hoaxes are becoming as frequent as real viruses. Well-written hoaxes may circulate for years after their first appearance. Do not pass on virus alert messages to others unless the virus is confirmed by a reliable source; otherwise, you perpetuate the hoax, doing your friends and colleagues a disservice. See How can I tell if a computer virus alert is a hoax?

Note: The University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you run the latest version of Symantec/Norton AntiVirus software (available to IU students, faculty, and staff for free via IUware) for your operating system, being sure to upgrade safely (see In Windows, how do I safely upgrade to the latest Symantec Endpoint or AntiVirus software?) and to update your virus definitions daily and scan your computer weekly. For instructions, see:

• Windows: In Symantec/Norton AntiVirus for Windows, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?
• Mac OS and OS X: In Symantec AntiVirus for Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

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