Characteristics of Viruses and Virus Hoaxes

There are thousands of viruses circulating each day with various payloads and means of propagation. The messages may be from an unknown sender or from someone you know. The damage caused by a virus can vary, affecting your personal computer as well as overloading email servers and networks.

Email sent to SMU inboxes are automatically scanned for viruses. If you have an outside or personal email accounts that you access on campus, please exercise caution when opening any attachments.

Communications from OIT

It is very rare that you will receive legitimate warning messages regarding the release of a new virus, or necessary software patches and updates by email. OIT will send bulk email messages if a virus is spreading across campus.

Getting Help

If you receive information regarding a virus or a suspicious email, please feel free to contact the IT Help Desk. We will be happy to research any virus reports for you. Please do not forward suspicious emails to any other address. The best way to prevent viruses from infecting your devices or spreading to others is to exercise caution when opening attachments, update the virus definitions on your anti-virus software regularly, and be wary of suspicious emails instructing you to perform some action on your computer.