If you receive a computer virus alert message via email

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 campus Support Center for assistance.

Timely security information, including notices of new viruses, is available at Security Bulletins. These notices are intended to alert the non-technical user community to widespread virus outbreaks at IU.

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. The UISO maintains links for some of the most current virus hoax warning sites. For these and other useful security-related sites, see Email and Phishing Scams.

Two key factors make a successful virus hoax: (1) technical-sounding language and (2) credibility by association. If the warning uses the proper technical jargon, even the technologically savvy can be fooled.