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 Information Technology Security Office (ITSO) 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 is the Klez worm, and why have I gotten a message telling me I have sent it? and 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 ITSO Bulletins page. These notices are intended to alert the larger, non-technical user community of widespread virus outbreaks at IU. ITSO 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 ITSO'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 that you 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 Norton AntiVirus for Mac OS or Mac OS X, how do I schedule automatic LiveUpdates and virus scans?

Also see:

• What should I know to avoid getting in trouble with email?
• Best practices for computer security
• What is security software?
• What are my responsibilities as a computer user at IU?
• What should I do if my computer has a virus?