Student Virus Protection

General Virus Information

Viruses are, unfortunately, an increasingly common threat to computer systems. While UNE's servers detect many viruses which arrive via email they can never catch 100% and not all viruses are email-borne.

Please make sure that you have a current and up to date anti-virus program installed

Students should have a anti-virus software to ensure that they are not removed from the network for spreading viruses.

Click here for FREE Sophos Antivirus Download

How to avoid viruses:

From the McAfee Website here are a few recommendations for protecting your computer from viruses:

• 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 to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
• Do not download any files from strangers.
• 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 thumbdrive test it with your own anti-virus software.
• Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. These updates should be at the least the products virus signature files. You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well. If you have downloaded UNE's version of McAfee and are connected to the network, your virus signatures will update automatically; if you purchased your own software, please contact your software vendor for information.
• Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
• 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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