UAlbany Taking Conficker Safety Measure
Grant money a possible security source
Shaun Savarese
Issue date: 11/10/08 Section: Voters
The University at Albany College of Computing and Information received a $25,000 grant, March 9, 2009, in support of its Women in Technology Program.
The College of Computing and Information Women in Technology (CCIWIT) has made no appropriations with grant money as support securing ambitions rise.
University at Albany Chief Security Officer Martin Manjak alerted faculty, staff and students of a cause for caution, February, 27, 2009, recommending them to delete "email(s) announcing the delivery of an electronic greeting card."
Information Technology Services blocks spam from campus mail servers, but ITS cannot secure student owned systems when accessing other email providers.
"The University makes antivirus software freely available to students, and publicizes recommendations for securing your computer," Manjak said. "However, it's ultimately up to the computer owner to secure their machine."
"I have after-market spyware software installed on my PC," said Spanish Major Patrick Eklund, 19.
Malware is the cyber-spyglass used by e-criminals to expose financial information and capitalize on system vulnerabilities. The latest, Conficker worm variant, has been converted to spread through network shares and via removable storage devices, like USB drives.
"Malware in general continues to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and better able to adapt to changing circumstances," said Manjak.
Symantec senior research manager, Ben Greenbaum reported Friday that Conficker C has been programmed to connect to tens of thousands of domains on April 1, 2009.
Malware authors develop variants that connect to tainted domains with multiple downloadable links.
Author Scott Marruto said "technology, understood as a tool, is purely a means to an end. In itself, it is ethically neutral."
University at Albany students and faculty can stop sophisticated infection through technological prevention and learning.
The College of Computing and Information Women in Technology (CCIWIT) has made no appropriations with grant money as support securing ambitions rise.
University at Albany Chief Security Officer Martin Manjak alerted faculty, staff and students of a cause for caution, February, 27, 2009, recommending them to delete "email(s) announcing the delivery of an electronic greeting card."
Information Technology Services blocks spam from campus mail servers, but ITS cannot secure student owned systems when accessing other email providers.
"The University makes antivirus software freely available to students, and publicizes recommendations for securing your computer," Manjak said. "However, it's ultimately up to the computer owner to secure their machine."
"I have after-market spyware software installed on my PC," said Spanish Major Patrick Eklund, 19.
Malware is the cyber-spyglass used by e-criminals to expose financial information and capitalize on system vulnerabilities. The latest, Conficker worm variant, has been converted to spread through network shares and via removable storage devices, like USB drives.
"Malware in general continues to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and better able to adapt to changing circumstances," said Manjak.
Symantec senior research manager, Ben Greenbaum reported Friday that Conficker C has been programmed to connect to tens of thousands of domains on April 1, 2009.
Malware authors develop variants that connect to tainted domains with multiple downloadable links.
Author Scott Marruto said "technology, understood as a tool, is purely a means to an end. In itself, it is ethically neutral."
University at Albany students and faculty can stop sophisticated infection through technological prevention and learning.
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Albany Movers
posted 4/07/09 @ 11:49 AM EST
It's very important to have updated antivirus software on your computer at least, and ideally also some sort of anti-spyware and anti-malware program. (Continued…)
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