Viruses and Hoaxes
Computer viruses can enter unprotected systems via many methods. A couple of examples are:
To protect USQ computers from viruses, all computers and laptops used at USQ must have virus protection installed, with automatic updates scheduled. It only takes one unprotected computer for a virus outbreak to occur causing hours of lost work time and resources in tracking, cleaning and restoring any disrupted services.
How can you tell if you have a Virus
When configured correctly, your virus software will clean and/or remove most viruses. If this has not happened and you believe your computer is infected check our Virus Hoaxes and Urban Legends content below to determine whether you are likely to have a virus or whether it is merely a hoax or an urban legend.
If, after checking, you believe that your computer does have a virus, immediately contact the ICT Service Desk, so that measures can be taken to remove the virus and identify any other affected computers and external drives.
Do not send a global email message alerting your friends and colleagues. In many cases you may be the victim of a hoax which can be quickly identified when you contact the ICT Service Desk who are experienced in these matters.
How to Minimise the Virus Threat
The following guidelines are provided to assist you in implementing a successful virus protection and detection strategy. Remember that the ease at which computer viruses can be introduced onto your computer will depend on your ability to implement these simple steps. Each staff member is responsible for their computer. It is your responsibility to ensure that you scan your computer regularly and that you adhere to the following guidelines:
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Configure your virus software to scan your computer hard disk regularly for viruses to ensure that your computer is not infected. This check should be performed at least every week;
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Identify any possible virus intrusion points where viruses are more likely to enter your computers; Implement more stringent virus scanning measures in these areas.
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scan any external drives prior to using them or copying any program files contained on an external drive; and
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electronic mail messages and Internet file transfers may contain files that could potentially carry viruses. Scan these files prior to using them on your computer.
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Ensure that you have backup copies of any of your critical information. Remember that you can store critical information on your network disk drive.
Virus Warnings, Hoaxes and Urban Legends
From time to time, email messages circulate warning of a potential virus threat, or you might get one about Microsoft sending you money for forwarding an e-mail message, or Microsoft announcing yesterday of a serious virus and advising you to tell everyone you know. In the majority of cases, these messages are hoaxes or urban legends that spread like wildfire across the Internet.
The following online resources contain useful information to help you find out whether a suspect e-mail is really a hoax, or whether a virus warning is real.
Real Virus Warnings
Hoaxes
Urban Legends
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