How do I manage viruses, worms and trojans?

The only way to manage viruses, worms and trojans is through using anti virus software and keeping the anti virus definitions updated regularly. Keeping the definitions updated regularly means that new viruses can be detected as they spread through the Internet. You should also protect against Spyware

Where can I get anti-virus software from?

If you are a Southern Cross University Staff or Student you can obtain Symantec anti-virus software FREELY.

The software is available for download from the computing site in MySCU:

Download Symantec Anti-Virus Software for Windows Computers Here

Download Symantec Anti-Virus Software for Apple Computers Here

It is a large file and may take some time to download, but is essential to have. Symantec AntiVirus CDs are also available for loan from the B Block LabSupport Desk.

New students: All students will receive a copy of the Technology Services SCU Connect Setup Disk. This CD contains antivirus as well as the basic suite of supported software and a variety of reader programs which allow you to view specific types of documents, eg: pdf or rtf files.

New computer installations for staff: anti-virus software is part of the standard operating environment (SOE) and is installed on all staff computers.

How do I update Symantec AntiVirus?

Once installed, your antiVirus program will need to be updated on a regular basis. This will ensure that it will detect the latest virus programs in circulation. The following is a video presentation on how to update your Symantec Program.

It is recommended that you configure Symantec to perform regular automatic updates by double clicking on the yellow shield, clicking on FILE, then SCHEDULED UPDATES, SCHEDULE, and selecting daily or weekly frequency

What is the difference between viruses and other malicious code?

Viruses, worms and trojans are all termed malicious code which can cause significant damage to information and computers including data loss, computers "crashing", identity theft, and general computer compromise.

What is the difference between viruses and other types of malicious code?

Viruses: A virus is a program that makes copies of itself and spreads by attaching itself to a host, often damaging the host in the process. Since the 1990s, most viruses are macro viruses written specifically for the Windows environment to infect files by exploiting vulnerabilities in Word and Outlook. Famous examples include Klez, Melissa and Sobig.

Worms: A worm is similar to a virus in that in replicates itself however, unlike a virus, it is self contained and does not need to attach itself to an executable program. Worms delete files and crash computers or servers by using up all resources. Famous examples include CodeRed and Blaster.

Trojans: A trojan is a stand-alone program that does not attach to another program and does not move from one computer to another on its own. The word is derived from the classical myth of the Trojan Horse where Greek soldiers gained access to Troy in a giant wooden horse. Trojans are often used as keyloggers to capture passwords and financial information and send this to a third party without your knowledge. They are spread automatically through the Internet and local networks, through email attachments and through portable writable media (such as CD's, flash sticks and disks).

What is Malicious Code?

Malicious Code code is a general term for spyware, keystroke loggers, screen shot software, adware and popups, dialers, joke programs, hacking tools, remote access tools, rootkits, password cracking applications, and any other software that can compromise the security on your computer. You should also protect against Viruses

How Do I get Malicious Code on My Computer and what are the risks?

Malicious code is downloaded to your computer generally either when visiting a malicious site on the Internet or is downloaded when you click on an infected email attachment.

Malicious code can collect information from your computer and so gather personal information about you. This information can include your passwords, bank and computer account details, email addresses, web browsing history, etc. This is an invasion of privacy and there is a risk of identify theft and loss of confidential information.

How do I Protect My Computer from Malicious Code (Spyware, Adware and Popups)?

For general information on spyware, read the Good Anti-Spyware Guide

There are two main options for protection:

1) Use a combination of free software programs

There are a number of free software programs available to protect against spyware:

Windows Defender
Spybot Search & Destroy
MS Malicious Code Removal Tool
Javacool's Spyware Blaster

Tools for Discovering Spyware Processes

X-Ray PC
Process Explorer for Windows

2) Buy a commercial anti-spyware software package

AVG Anti-Spyware
Lavasoft Adaware
Webroot Spysweeper

What is Malicious Code?

Malicious Code code is a general term for spyware, keystroke loggers, screen shot software, adware and popups, dialers, joke programs, hacking tools, remote access tools, rootkits, password cracking applications, and any other software that can compromise the security on your computer. You should also protect against Viruses

How Do I get Malicious Code on My Computer and what are the risks?

Malicious code is downloaded to your computer generally either when visiting a malicious site on the Internet or is downloaded when you click on an infected email attachment.

Malicious code can collect information from your computer and so gather personal information about you. This information can include your passwords, bank and computer account details, email addresses, web browsing history, etc. This is an invasion of privacy and there is a risk of identify theft and loss of confidential information.

How do I Protect My Computer from Malicious Code (Spyware, Adware and Popups)?

For general information on spyware, read the Good Anti-Spyware Guide

There are two main options for protection:

1) Use a combination of free software programs

There are a number of free software programs available to protect against spyware:

Windows Defender
Spybot Search & Destroy
MS Malicious Code Removal Tool
Javacool's Spyware Blaster

Tools for Discovering Spyware Processes

X-Ray PC
Process Explorer for Windows

2) Buy a commercial anti-spyware software package

AVG Anti-Spyware
Lavasoft Adaware
Webroot Spysweeper

Updated: 01 September 2011