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Security Policy: Disabling Accounts

The Prairienet Community Network is a part of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. We receive our Internet access through the University and are governed by its network security policies. The Campus Information Technologies and Educational Services (CITES) is responsible for network security and monitors network traffic to that end.

When CITES reports a security problem on one of Prairienet's modem lines, we will determine which account was using the line in question and, in keeping with University policy, disable that account without further notice.

The problem is most likely to be due to spyware, virus, worm, or trojan that has infected a computer. Once infected, a computer can be generating Internet traffic without the owner's knowledge, including 'probing' other computers or acting as a 'spam zombie' and sending out virus-generated spam.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Make sure your anti-virus software is kept uptodate and familiarize yourself with your options in the event that your computer becomes infected.

• If you are not using an anti-spyware program, consider doing so. Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware SE Personal are both well-regarded programs available for free. (Be careful you verify the legimitacy of anti-spyware software before you download! Some programs being offered for free are actually spyware themselves.)

• Although broadband connections are more vulnerable, nowadays even a dialup connection needs to be protected by a firewall. For the PC, ZoneAlarm and Comodo are available for free.

• Make sure your Windows operating system has all current updates installed.

• If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, we recommend that you switch to a browser that is less of a security risk such as Firefox or Opera.

• Educate yourself and your household and learn how to secure your computers. CITES offers this online wizard that generates safe computing guidelines based on your computer usage: http://www.cites.uiuc.edu/security/securing/ (Some information concerning specific site-licensed software applies only to members of the University.)

What To Do If Your Account Has Been Disabled

• If you find that are unable to log in, first of all, don't panic. The vast majority of login problems are due to password problems or expired accounts. If you call Prairienet Member Services at 244-1962( Wednesday & Thursday, 1:30-4:30pm ), staff will be able to tell you if your account has been disabled for security reasons and the basic reason given by CITES (name of virus causing infection, etc.) Staff will not have further details, only the basic information provided by CITES.

• You will need to take steps to clean up the infected computer.

  Prairienet staff will not be able to provide any assistance with cleanup of infected computers. Please be aware that spyware in particular can be technically very difficult to remove and mistakes can render a computer unusable. Unless you are an advanced poweruser, we strongly recommend that you enlist expert help with the removal task.

  If you are a member of the University, you can get a bootable cleanup CD from CITES: http://www.cites.uiuc.edu/security/emergency/disconnected.html

  For others who need help, one-time Prairienetter Dan Moisson of Simplified Computers in Champaign has offered to provide in-store virus cleanup services to Prairienet members at 20% off their regular rates. You will need to take your computer in to one of the Simplified Computer stores and mention that you are a Prairienet member to qualify for the discount. http://www.simplifiedcomputers.com/about.htm.

• Once your computer has been cleaned, call Prairienet Member Services at 244-1962 (( Wednesday & Thursday, 1:30-4:30pm ) and ask to have your account reactivated.