Purdue News
Purdue News
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January 27, 2004 Purdue takes preventative measures to thwart computer virusWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A widespread computer virus is affecting computer networks across the nation, including those at Purdue University. As a precaution, computer users should not open any e-mail attachments or .zip files from unknown sources, said Steve Hare, associate vice president of security and policy for Information Technology at Purdue. "This virus, which is called the MyDoom virus, tries to trick users into thinking they have to take some action," Hare said. "The virus arrives using technical-sounding subject lines such as 'test,' 'error' or 'mail delivery system.'" Hare said that at Purdue incoming .zip files are being temporarily blocked on some e-mail servers until network traffic volume slows. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause legitimate users of .zip files, but this action is necessary because of the severity of the virus attack," he said. The virus already has caused a slowdown of the campus network, but systems are in place to prevent widespread problems, Hare said. According to national information technology news sites, several networks have already been forced to shut down because of the virus. According to reports, the virus attempts to control Windows-based PCs, and also disguises itself in the download directory of the Kazaa file-sharing program. Updates and additional information can be found at the ITaP security and policy Web site at http://www.itap.purdue.edu/security/. Writer: Steve Tally, (765) 494-9809, tally@purdue.edu Source: Steve Hare, (765) 494-7820 Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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