To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff
           <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "CITES Security Officer" <security@uiuc.edu>

Reply-To: cites-feedback@uiuc.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - New computer vulnerabilities-update now

Thanks to the many of you who took action in August to update ("patch") your
Windows operating systems and install and update your anti-virus software.
Even with those actions, over 1000 computers on our campus were compromised.

There is a new Microsoft Windows vulnerability that has the potential to be
as damaging as the Blaster worm last month.  In addition, another new virus
(called the "Swen virus") is beginning to spread.  Updates were released
September 18 for the campus anti-virus software which will protect
computers from the Swen virus.

Please update ("patch") your Windows operating system and update your
anti-virus software now.  Configure your system to update your operating
system patches and anti-virus software on a daily basis. Remember, updating
your operating system and updating your anti-virus software are two
different activities.  For information on how to protect your system by
patching and using anti-virus software, see 

http://www.cites.uiuc.edu/news/2003/091803_rpc.html

Many desktop systems are administered by local department personnel.  If
that is the case with your system, please follow the procedures that your
local IT staff have established in their efforts to protect your system and
the campus network to which it is attached.

Systems that do become infected will be disconnected from the Internet until
the infection has been removed and the system has been patched.  If there
are many compromised systems, re-attachment to the Internet may be delayed.
If a department network has a substantial number of unpatched systems that
may be used to attack other systems or networks, either on or off campus,
it may be necessary to disconnect an entire department from the campus
network infrastructure until the problems are resolved.

If you need assistance beyond that provided by your department, call the
CITES Help Desk (244-7000).  With your help, the campus can prevent the
problems and keep our desktops and entire network working smoothly.

Thank you,
CITES Security Officer
security@uiuc.eduThis mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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