Computer viruses are increasingly common and destructive, and IT Services makes every effort to keep Iowa State University and supported computers free from infection. To help reduce the risk of infecting your computer and the computers of others please follow these virus protection tips from McAfee and IT Services.
- Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious, or untrustworthy source.
- Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
- Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there always save the file to your hard drive before doing so.
- Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any of them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
- Do not download any files from an unknown, suspicious, or untrustworthy source.
- Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own anti-virus software.
- Update your virus definitions regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month. While your virus protection software is scheduled to update your virus definitions automatically, occasionally you may need or want to update your virus definitions manually.
- When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments.
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