Computing
and Information Services

You have probably heard a lot of news about the Flashback Trojan Virus affecting Mac Users.  Today Apple has released a Software update that handles the security breech that was allowing this Trojan access to some Mac computers.  You should run Software Updates on your Mac immediately.  If you don't know how to do do this, click here and choose the "Performing Mac Software Updates" for instruction on how to install the latest security update.

However, this software update does not find or rid you computer of the virus if you already have it.  Follow these simple instructions to see if your computer has been infected with the Flashback Trojan.

If you find that your computer has been infected, contact the help desk immediately at helpdesk@vassar.edu or 437-7224 (x7224 from a campus phone) and someone will assist you with the clean-up.

• Create a strong password and change it regularly. Do this for all of your other accounts too (email, bank, Banner, etc).
• Use a modern web browser and keep it up to date. (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer 8).
  
• Keep your virus protection up to date.
  
• Keep your operating system software up to date.
  
• Never provide information about yourself or others to unknown people or websites. When people try to get this information, it's known as phishing.
• Don't click or download things that you didn't solicit. In other words, never react to candy from strangers. Even saying no thank you (by clicking) gives them information about you.
  
• Free software isn't always safe. There's plenty of great free software out there. But some free applications come with spyware and viruses.
  
• Turn on the password protection setting of your screensaver.
  
• Log out of web accounts when you are finished. Don't just close the window.
  
• Delete unwanted/unneeded files from your computer.
  
• Be aware of the sensitive nature of information you are working with.