Virus Information

A computer virus is a piece of code intentionally written to cause damage to software or data files or to attempt to take control of a computer's resources to use it for malevolent purposes.

Viruses execute on a given trigger, such as running a program, opening an email or even simply visiting a particular website. As viruses can have potentially devastating effects it is vital that all computer users be familiar with and implement best practices in computing to guard against infection.

Many viruses also possess the ability to propagate so that once they infect your computer they may be able to send themselves to every email address in your address book, clogging up the College email server. Other viruses propagate via shared folders on the College network disrupting various network facilities.

College Policy on Anti-Virus Management

College Anti-Virus Policy states that Information Systems Services and users are equally obliged to exercise due care and vigilance in combating the virus threat. It is in the interests of all users to protect the information on their computers as some viruses can do irreversible damage such as deleting your files.

Visit the IT Security Alerts page for information on Current Virus Alerts in College. Statistical Information on the prevalence of viruses in College is also available.

Information Systems Services Anti-Virus Procedures

- Email

Information Systems Services have invested in comprehensive anti-virus scanning systems to ensure that all email entering and leaving Trinity College is scanned for known viruses and infected emails are quarantined or deleted where appropriate.

Additionally some file extensions which are known to be associated with viruses are blocked by the College Mail system a list of all extensions blocked currently is available.

-Computers

College has a site licence for the installation of Anti-Virus software on all computers on the network, either College or privately owned. All computers attached to the College network are obliged to run up-to-date anti-virus software.

Information Systems Services constantly monitor the College network for evidence of virus infections.

Where a computer is identified as having a virus which may spread to other computers on the network, Information Systems Services may disable the computers network connection.

Users who suspect that their network point has been disabled for this reason should contact the helpdesk.

Once Information Systems Services support staff have confirmed that the machine is clear of infection the computers network connection will be enabled again.

User Responsibilities

All users should follow the Anti-virus Protection Instructions to ensure that their computer is protected from viruses.

For more information users can also refer to the Virus FAQ

For specific advise on how to remove a virus from you computer see - Virus Removal Instructions

Viruses can cause significant damage to your computer and the data files you store on it. Viruses can also cause disruption to the College network resulting in loss of services. Therefore it is vital that every student and member of staff takes steps to ensure that their computer is protected from virus infection at all times.

Trinity College Dublin

Virus Information