New virus quelled by ACNS
After a weekend of updating anti-virus systems, the Academic
Computing and Network Services was able to stop the spread of the
W32.Randex.gen computer virus.
Kevin Nolan, IT Specialist for ACNS, said once a computer was
infected the virus would attack other computers through network
connections.
One of the virus’ symptoms is an inability to gain access to the
Internet.
According to the ACNS Web site, the virus affects Windows-based
computers and most often is successful with computers that have
blank or weak passwords.
“It’s mostly been a headache for IT staff,” Nolan said.
Nolan said this virus was challenging because the CSU campus was
one of the first places it affected.
Despite the early infection, Nolan said there is no evidence to
suggest that the virus was started at CSU or that the university
was targeted.
“Given the nature of the Internet, it could come from anywhere,”
Nolan said.
Once the virus was detected, Nolan said ACNS contacted Symantec,
the makers of the Norton Anti-Virus system.
With new updates, Symantec was able to restrict the virus’
spread.
W32.Randex.gen is just one of the several high-profile viruses
that have affected computers since February.
“We’ve definitely seen a spike,” Nolan said.
Though there are always new viruses, Nolan said it is rare that
so many become high profile in such a short period of time.
It cannot be predicted as to whether the trend will continue,
Nolan said.
“We just respond when we see them,” he said.
There are several actions that students can take to protect
their computers from not only the W32.Randex.gen virus but also all
viruses.
Decreasing time online by disconnecting when the computer is not
being used will help, Nolan said.
Also being cautious when opening e-mails and always updating
computer anti-virus software will prevent the spread of computer
viruses, Nolan said.
“Folks just need to be cautious in this age of the Internet,”
Nolan said.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.