You may have heard about a new computer worm that is currently circulating on the Internet. It goes by many names, including Blackmal, Nyxem, and Blackworm. While we believe risk of infection at Wabash is low, the virus is potentially very destructive so we recommend all Windows users scan their computers TODAY for this worm. Please note that this worm only affects Windows computers; Macintosh computers are not at risk.
You can only get the worm by running a program (or clicking a link) attached to an email infected email message. Infected messages have typically encouraged recipients to click a link to view a video or see pictures. Email messages sent to Wabash go through two separate virus filters, both of which block this virus. It is therefore extremely unlikely someone was infected by receiving a message sent to their wabash.edu address, but for those who also use other email services, the risk may be higher. Once it infects a computer, the worm is programmed to activate on the 3rd of every month (including tomorrow, Friday February 3), at which time it will overwrite many files on your computer, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
The scanning process is simple, and should take less than 10 minutes. To get started, click the following link:
http://www.sophos.com/support/cleaners/nyxemgui.com
A file download message will pop up, you can choose the option to Run the file, or if you prefer save it to your desktop and run from there. You will have to accept the terms of using the program, and once the program is up on your screen, click the green "Go" button to start the scan. The scan will check all files on your computer, and issue a report at the end.
If you have problems running the scan, or if you find that your computer is infected, please contact the Help Desk at x6400 for assistance. If you are reading this message after hours, you can also contact the WABnet Help Desk at x6150 any time from 8am-midnight.
To learn more about this worm, see PC Magazine for a good summary:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1916879,00.asp