A virus named "Conficker" (also known as Downup, Downadup and Kido) has been very much in the news these past few days. The virus infects Microsoft Windows computers and is reported to have an activation date of April 1st, 2009. We want to provide information to you about what ITS has done to protect our campus systems and what you can do with your home systems.

Microsoft released a patch for this virus in late 2008. Shortly after this release, ITS began requiring this patch on both student and college-owned systems connected to the Davidson network. Our primary defenses against such viruses, Sophos anti-virus and Brightmail, are constantly scanning inbound e-mail and documents for suspicious or malicious files and attachments. Both of these systems are constantly updated with new and better ways to detect viruses and block them before they reach campus computers.

For home computers, we recommend you review the Microsoft website (link below) for advice on protecting your personal computer. At the very least, ensure that your home computer is fully updated with the latest patches from Microsoft and running updated anti-virus software.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx.