ITS Security Center
Security Links
Click here for information on keeping your computer and personal information safe.
Click here for information about fraudulent emails claiming to be from University administration or ITS officials.
Articles and Announcements
11/10/2008 - Rogue "AntivirusXP/2008/2009" Circulating
Over the past several months, a malicious program disguised as an antivirus/antispyware program has been circulating online. The program, known by multiple names, including Antivirus 2008, Antivirus 2009, and XP Antivirus, indicates that your computer is infected with a virus and directs you to a web site to purchase antivirus software. This program is malicious and you should not click on any links provided by the program. More information, including removal instructions can be found here:
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2008-082521-2037-99&tabid=2.
In many cases, ITS recommends a system reformat to remove the virus completely. Contact the ITS Help Desk if you have further questions.
8/27/2008 - Fraudulent E-mails Claiming to be from University Administration Reported
Several variations of fraudulent e-mail messages claiming to be from helpdesk, UIOWA Support, UIOWA.EDU, Webmaster@uiowa, etc. have been reported over the last several months. These e-mails claim you must reply with personal information, such as your password, or risk having your accounts deactivated. These are not legitimate messages. ITS will never request your password be sent in an e-mail. See this article for more information and examples.
Report a Security Incident
ITS announcement regarding e-mail viruses and attachments
Past Security Articles and Announcements
Protect Your Computer and Personal Information!
ITS offers a number of different services to help you protect your computer. We recommend using the following steps below to help protect your computer from viruses and from being compromised.
Helpful Security Tips
- Help avoid computer viruses that spread through e-mail (from Microsoft.com)
- 10 Ways to Work More Securely (from Microsoft.com)
Other ITS Security Resources
- Identity Finder Support Site
- Security Travel Checklist
- ITS Security Certification
- Best Practices for Dealing with Spam
- Defending Our Campus (Anti-Spam and E-mail Attachment Blocking)
- IT Security Office site
- Hawk IRB - Information Security Guide for Researchers
Last Updated: 11/11/2008