The Information Technology and Communication help desk has been working to halt the spread of the computer virus W32.Nimda.A@mm ever since it started attacking University Web servers and overloading e-mail accounts Tuesday morning.
The virus "has the potential to destroy computer files, disable computer functions, or otherwise disrupt normal business operations, patient care services, or academic pursuits," according to the ITC Web site
"It's difficult to contain and the distribution is high, although the damage has not been that bad," said Mark Smith, manager of desktop computing systems at ITC. "Computer users can prevent damage by keeping their Web servers updated and by not opening up attachments."
Although it is difficult to predict when the virus will be shut down, Smith said, it could take only a couple of days. In the meantime, ITC has been alerting students, working with providers to update their Web servers, and tracking down computers with unauthorized access to servers.
"After all, we still see that HaHa virus that came out about a year and a half ago. There's no way to wipe out viruses entirely, but we can narrow them down," Smith said.
ITC has traced about 50 unique infections as of Wednesday afternoon, although the actual count is usually higher than what has been reported.
"Unfortunately, this kind of virus is connected to a server in such a way that it hits it repeatedly, which prevents the server from performing any other capabilities," said Jane Ashworth, he electronic mail postmaster. However, it looks like a lot of people are not opening up the e-mail attachments, which is a good thing."
The virus makes its way through the Internet Information Server, or IIS, which is part of Microsoft's software that connects users with Web servers. Nimda then exploits a design called the Mayo Application Program Interface, or MAPI, which normally allows computer users to send e-mails via a non-mailing system like Microsoft Access.
Smith suggested that anyone affected by Nimda can learn how to update their software at www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com, and update their virus definitions at www.itc.virginia.edu/virus.html. For more information about how to combat viruses, ITC officials recommend visiting tech.msn.com/it/msnart100.asp.
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