Virus spread through flash drives affects computers on campus

March 9, 2009

Cincinnati State's Information Technology Services recently discovered a computer virus affecting staff, faculty, and student machines in the Main Building.

The virus is carried and spread through the use of flash drives inserted into the USB ports of the infected computers. When a flash drive in inserted into an infected computer, it infects the drive as well. The next computer that flash drive goes into will then also develop infected files.

To ensure the virus remains absent from all Cincinnati State and home PCs, any student or staff/faculty member who has used a flash drive in a college computer this term should have their device scanned and cleaned at one of two stations in the Open Computer Lab, Third Floor ATLC.

The scan is fast and will not damage any of the files saved on the flash drive.

Even if you think you haven't used an infected port, you should still bring the flash drive in to be checked so the virus does not spread any further.

Questions and concerns can be directed to the Technology Helpdesk at  (513) 569-1234.