Security and Virus Protection - 10/19/07

An instant messenger-based virus has impacted some CNU student computers.  This virus will send an instant message encouraging students to click on a link to a photobucket website.  Once a student clicks on the link, and downloads the infected picture file they are subject to infection. 

Virus Control:
To halt the spread of the virus, IT Services has started blocking potentially malicious files with the .PNG extension. As a result, some non-malicious .PNG files may not be accessible from the residential network.  Once a fix has been indentified for this virus, the .PNG restrictions will be removed.    

Symptoms:
Symptoms include complete system shutdown, multiple pop-up ads, and other irregular behavior.  CNU IT Services is working with Symantec to develop a permanent fix for this issue and will update the following website with new information:

Student precautions:
1.    Never click on a link sent through instant messenger, even from a trusted source.
2.    Try using a different instant messaging client - Pidgin, Trillian, AIM Express (web only)