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An Internet "worm" attacked computers this week, slowing networks and frustrating home users as it spread around the world. Security officials said the virus-like worm was part of a coordinated electronic attack that exploited one of the most serious flaws yet discovered in Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating systems. The worm was first reported in the U.S. on Monday and, while appearing not to delete files or otherwise incur permanent damage, knocked many computers offline.
Fuqua IT staff began to take steps to minimize the impact on our network last week when a similar attack was detected. In addition to sweeping through and installing security patches, we are scanning the network daily to detect any presence of the virus. Our staff will continue to visit desktops to make sure all of the proper patches have been loaded.
However, it is important for you to apply this patch to your home computers and laptops as well. On our website, we have included a link for the appropriate patches for Windows 2000 and Windows XP (Windows 98 and Windows 95 are not affected). Please visit http://it.fuqua.duke.edu for more information.
We also recommend that you update your home computer and laptops with any other available Microsoft critical updates and patches. To do this, open Windows Explorer click the "Tools" menu and select "Windows Update". Select "Scan for updates". After the scan is complete click the category "Windows critical updates and security patches" on the right side of the screen. You should select all of the patches in this category. Some updates need to be run separately so you may need to repeat this procedure. Select "review and install updates" and follow the prompts to accept the license agreement and begin the download. When the installation is complete and you are prompted to restart your computer, please do so.
Installing the security patch from our website is the most important action to immediately protect your computer(s). You should also practice safe computing by running the updates from Microsoft periodically.
If you have any questions, please contact the Technical Support Center at 919-660-7878 or via email at tsc-help@fuqua.duke.edu .
John Garcia
Director of Technical Support
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