LRDC's Antivirus Plan

In response to the growing number and severity of computer viruses, LRDC Computing Services has developed an Antivirus Plan to prevent against and respond to virus emergencies at LRDC. Academic environments such as LRDC are very prone to the spread of computer viruses. Researchers not only share data with colleagues at LRDC, but also at other universities and facilities throughout the United States and in other nations. Some viruses can destroy computers, others can wipe out data, and still others can pose security risks by spreading potentially confidential files through the Internet via email programs.

Our plan consists of nine components:

1. Create web page with virus links, alerts, descriptions, and hoaxes.

We have created a web site, LRDC Virus Central (www.lrdc.pitt.edu/compserv/virus.html). This site has links to Norton Antivirus downloads residing on the University of Pittsburgh's web site.  We additionally provide a pointer to the Symantec web site, where the updates for Norton Antivirus can also be downloaded.  Virus alerts, virus descriptions, and links to virus hoaxes are now also available on the LRDC Virus Central web site.
 

2. Make all updates available on the LRDC file servers.

We have created antivirus directories on the Shared Volume of each file server. These directories contain the newest Norton Antivirus programs.
 

3. LRDC Computing Services will install Norton Antivirus on all existing LRDC computers and will configure these computers for auto-update.  As new computers are ordered and set up, Norton Antivirus will be also installed and configured.

Norton Antivirus has been installed on all LRDC computers and the program has been updated with the most recent definitions.  Each computer was also configured  for LiveUpdate.  PCs were configured to download and install weekly updates; Macs were configured for monthly updates.

Configuring computers to automatically download updates provides the best protection. Regardless or the number of places we make updates available, it is often confusing and time consuming for users to keep their antivirus software up-to-date. In many instances, antivirus software is installed on a machine and is not updated for months or even years, often until a crisis occurs or a serious threat announced.

4. Check web weekly for updates. Announce urgent updates via e-mail to the entire Center and on our web site.

In cases where a very serious virus threat exists, a message is sent out to all LRDC faculty and staff to alert them and provide information on identifying and removing the potential virus.
 

5. All LRDC file servers will be scanned quarterly, as well as when specific alerts are issued.
   
6. Monitor and track virus activity at LRDC.

We encourage all LRDC faculty and staff to report any instances of a virus. This  allows us to monitor and track the spread of computer viruses through the Center. Our web site also contains a list of viruses recently found at LRDC and describes their effects.
 

7. Antivirus software spot checks will be done when computers are undergoing repair or upgrades.

If we are repairing or upgrading a machine, we check the antivirus software to ensure that it is being regularly updated.

As always, LRDC Computing Services is available to assist you with any questions you may have.  Call x4-7033 or e-mail skubitz@pitt.edu if you need assistance.