Personal computer virus cleanup policy

A student or staff member who brings his or her personal computer to Information Technologies Client Support & Services (IT-CS&S) to be cleaned of viruses, adware, spyware, and peer-to-peer (P2P) software will be charged a fee for this service. Information about the policy and its intent are explained below.


Question
What is the computer virus cleanup policy?

Answer
Students will be charged for examination and cleanup services performed on a computer contaminated with viruses, adware, spyware, P2P software, and other items that pose risks to the UD campus network.


Question
Why is this policy necessary?

Answer
As well as causing problems on an individual's infected computer, the campus network and the entire UD community are at risk from computers that are infected with viruses, spyware, adware, etc. In addition, the owners of computers that are identified as sharing copyrighted material risk prosecution for violation of copyright laws.

Our educational initiative on responsible computing—education sessions in residence halls and other programs—has raised awareness of the risks of viruses, spyware, and P2P programs.

However, many students still have not taken the necessary steps to prevent their computers from infecting the UD campus network: Everyone must be proactive in guarding against the risks that these programs present.

The computer cleanup policy is designed to encourage students to avoid loss of network access and the inconvenience of losing the use of their computer.


Question
What will happen if a computer becomes infected?

Answer
When an infected system is detected by the network, the Internet port will be automatically disconnected from the UD network.

Before the port can be reactivated, the computer must be cleaned and patched. Students have ONE OPPORTUNITY to clean and patch the infected computer themselves. If the problem is not corrected and the port is deactivated a second time, the student will be required to have the system cleaned by IT-CS&S before a network connection will be restored. Students will be charged a fee for this service.


Question
What behaviors might this policy prevent?

Answer
File sharing of copyrighted material is a concern because it is illegal. We hope that the policy will encourage students to refrain from illegal activities. Downloading and distributing copyrighted songs, movies, software, or other protected works without permission from the copyright owner or agent is illegal and is a violation of the University's Policy for Responsible Computing.

If a computer connected to the UD network is found to be involved in the illegal distribution of copyrighted material, these are the steps that the University will take.


Question
How can a student prevent his or her computer from becoming infected with viruses, spyware, and possibly participate in illegal downloading?

Answer
The most important part of keeping your computer clean is to use it safely. This includes being careful about what websites and emails you click on and being very cautious about what files you download or run.
Computers can get infected by viruses if they are not running up-to-date anti-virus software. Windows computers should have Microsoft's Windows Defender activated and running. Macintosh computers are not immune to viruses and malware. The University suggests that macOS users download and install free anti-virus software.

These programs will identify and delete viruses and trojans that are on your computer.
Most spyware and adware can be avoided by taking care when you download programs to your computer. For example, many P2P programs install additional programs that generate pop-ups. Students can also install and use free anti-malware programs, which help prevent and remove spyware and malware.


Question
How can a student tell when his or her computer has become infected?

Answer
The first sign of many infections is when your computer starts behaving differently than usual. Strange programs/icons appearing, pop-ups and web browser changes all point to a probable malware infection. See the IT Support Center's security site for more information about how to maintain a secure computer.


Question
Where can students get their computers cleaned?

Answer
Any student who would like to have his or her computer cleaned by IT-CS&S must first call the IT Support Center at (302) 831-6000 to be assigned an Incident Report tracking number and make an appointment to bring the computer to the lower-level of Smith Hall to be cleaned.


Question
How is the cleanup fee charged?

Answer
The fee will be charged to the student's account and will appear on the student's bill.

Details

Article ID: 576
Created
Fri 1/3/20 3:33 PM
Modified
Fri 1/3/20 4:08 PM