NYU IT Security Information

NYU IT's  licensed version of Symantec Endpoint Protection (Norton) is not available at this time. Please see NYU IT's Licensed Software page for more information.

NYU IT does provide some general information on security awareness.

Steps to take if you suspect that your PC or Mac is infected by a virus

If you are a CIMS administrator or your PC is on the CIMSSAM network, please send email to helpdesk@cims.nyu.edu for further assistance.

If you are supporting your own PC or Macintosh, (either desktop or laptop) here are the steps:

  1. Remove your PC or Mac from the network by disconnecting the ethernet cable. This will prevent a virus from spreading to further machines.

If you already have anti-virus software installed and it is up-to-date:

  1. Run an anti-virus scan on all of the hard drives in your computer. Follow the instructions given by the anti-virus software.

If you have anti-virus software on your PC which is out of date, you will need to uninstall the old software completely before installing the ITS Norton Anti-virus software.

  1. START
  2. SETTINGS
  3. CONTROL PANEL
  4. ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS
  5. select the old anti-virus software and remove it
  6. reboot the PC
  7. Install the Norton Anti-virus software that is licensed for NYU use.
  8. Run an anti-virus scan on all of the hard drives in your computer. Follow the instructions given by the anti-virus software.

Note: If you need to update the virus definitions, you may put your machine back on the network to do so but do NOT open any email software (e.g. Outlook, Thunderbird, etc) on your PC or Mac until the problem has been resolved so that you do not risk emailing the virus to other users. You may however check for email on your Unix account by using x-term emulation software, TELNET, or better yet ... use a terminal in one of the public rooms until the virus problem is resolved.

Please send email to helpdesk@cims.nyu.edu for further assistance if you feel the problem has not been properly resolved or ITS has notified you that your machine is still infected. There are some viruses which the standard anti-virus software cannot handle and these require specific software for correction e.g. the W32.sircam worm and the W23.Badtrans.b@mm worm.

Tips & Tricks for Specific Software Applications: Protecting your PC or Mac from viruses

Microsoft Outlook

MS Outlook is closely aligned with the Windows operating system and malicious code can easily exploit vulnerabilities in Windows. In addition, many viruses exploit vulnerabilities in the MS Outlook Address Book to send out further copies of the virus to everyone in the user's Address Book (including all mailing lists) which is how the infamous "I love you" virus brought down so many systems.

If you wish to use MS Outlook you can protect your system somewhat by avoiding both VIEW / AUTO-PREVIEW and VIEW / PREVIEW PANE. Both of these VIEWS open all messages before you have a chance to delete any suspicious ones. Many viruses are programmed to go into action as soon as the message is opened. It is important that when you check your email that you first delete any suspicious messages without opening them.

Windows Updates

It is important with all Windows operating systems to check for updates on a regular basis. The patches provided by Microsoft often contain updates to combat specific vulnerabilities.