Help to stop the spread of the Zeus virus
02 May 2013
Don't open suspect emails.
What is Zeus?
Zeus is malicious software which can be distributed through several methods, including visiting a compromised website or opening an infected email attachment.
The implications of having an infected machine are very serious: your University credentials or even personal details for external websites (such as online banking, social media accounts) could be compromised.
How can I stay safe?
There are two simple rules in the fight against virus attacks:
- Ensure that your anti virus software is kept fully up to date;
- Never open email attachments or visit links to websites that:
· You’re not expecting; or
· Are from people or organisations you do not know; or
. Appear to be from legitimate people/organisations but do not seem genuine (ie: requesting you enter password or banking information, or requesting you submit a tax return when you have no reason to do so, etc).
If you receive such an email, delete it immediately and then delete it from your deleted items folder also.
There have been numerous infected emails recently; however some known examples to particularly look out for contain the following in the subject line:
- ‘Fax’
- ‘VAT returns’
- ‘TAX refund’
- ‘Parcel deliveries’
Many of these are being stopped before they get to your mailbox; however, even if your anti virus software is up to date, not all can be detected and so you must remain vigilant and delete any such items immediately.
Does this just affect my University account?
No – unfortunately these attacks are widespread and such emails can appear in your personal email account, which you may access both at home and here from the University.
The same two rules to staying safe (above) apply whether you are at home or on campus, accessing either your University or personal email account.
Further advice
Contact the IT Service Desk:
- Telephone 65544
- Online at IT Servicedesk