Virus Warning Letters FAQ
Depending on the particular virus and due to the campus network architecture, some virus cases may result in the loss of your network connection before receiving a warning letter. For more information regarding current virus activity, please check out The University of Arizona's Security and Incident Response web site.
If you have received a written warning regarding a computer virus, you must do the following:
- Read all materials that come with the warning letter.
- Follow all instructions outlined in the warning letter.
- Follow-up with ResComp before the due date specified in the warning letter.
If your computer is still online, failure to comply with the above steps will result in loss of your network privileges.
Virus Questions
I have anti-virus software installed on my computer, how did I get infected?
There are new computer viruses coming out everyday and can spread in a number of ways. Some spread via E-mail attachments, and others spread themselves using your network connection without the use of E-mail.
It is important to keep your anti-virus software up to date. Just having anti-virus software is not enough. Computer viruses can also take advantage of machines that are missing critical security patches as well. If you run any version of Windows, you can use Windows Update to make sure your computer is up to date. If you run MacOS, you can use Apple's Support Page to keep your Mac up-to-date. The use of a properly updated firewall can also help protect your computer from getting a virus.
How am I supposed to download a fix for my computer, if my network connection is turned off?
Contact the Office of Student Computing Resources (OSCR) to help you remove the virus; their phone number is 626-TECH. Most virus-specific removal tools are small enough to fit on a floppy disk; for those that are too big to fit on a floppy drive, you can burn to a CD or other media that has a higher storage capacity. You can use a friend's computer to download the fix, save it to a disk, and apply it to your computer. You can check The University of Arizona's Security and Incident Response web site for a fix. You can also check out Symantec's web site for a removal tool.
Your hall's front desk will have a support CD available containing several important patches and removal tools on it. Please check your front desk for this CD. This CD may not always have the fix you need. Due to the cost of creating the CDs, new versions of the CD will only become available every two months, or as virus activity increases. You can also contact OSCR for help.
What happens when I get a virus warning letter?
Upon a first offense, you will receive a written warning. Any further violations of the Acceptable Use Policy (even if they do not involve a virus) may result in loss of network privileges.
Upon a second offense, your network privileges will be revoked and you will meet with a ResComp network administrator. Loss of network privileges at this point can range from a month to a semester, or longer.
Upon a third offense, sanctions may include eviction from the residence halls. The final decision will be made on a case-by-case basis by your hearing officer.
How long does this notice stay in my student record?
It is part of your housing record and stays on file until you leave housing.
Where can I get anti-virus software and/or firewall software for my computer?
First, check with OSCR at 626-TECH. Then, if necessary, check with any of the software vendors in Tucson. The University of Arizona Bookstore has several anti-virus and firewall packages available for sale. The University of Arizona also provides free anti-virus software and firewall software (Sophos) to students, staff, and faculty at the Site License web site. OSCR can assist you with installing Sophos.
