Guidelines on Anti-Virus Process

Recommended processes to prevent virus problems:

• Always run the CS dept standard, supported anti-virus software that is available from the CS department download site. Download and run the current version; download and install anti-virus software updates as they become available.
• Many anti-virus programs can update their definitions daily. Your anti-virus installation should be setup to check for new virus definitions at system boot.
• NEVER open any files or macros attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source. Delete these attachments immediately, then "double delete" them by emptying your Trash.
• Delete spam, chain, and other junk email without forwarding, in compliance with the CS department's Acceptable Use Policy.
• Never download files from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Avoid direct disk sharing with read/write access unless there is an absolute requirement to do so.
• Always scan a floppy diskette for viruses before using it.
• Back-up critical data and system configurations on a regular basis and store the data in a safe place.
• If lab testing conflicts with anti-virus software, run the anti-virus utility to ensure a clean machine, disable the software, then run the lab test. After the lab test, enable the anti-virus software. When the anti-virus software is disabled, do not run any applications that could transfer a virus, e.g., email or file sharing.
• New viruses are discovered almost every day. Periodically check the Lab Anti-Virus Policy and this Recommended Processes list for updates.
• Do not run ftp or IIS services on your PC. Use ssh daemon to allow sftp access and never allow anonymous access.