Maintaining current updates to your operating system and using antivirus software is a requirement for ResNet access — computers found to threaten the integrity of the UC Davis network will be disconnected immediately.

Researchers estimate that an unprotected computer may be compromised within twenty minutes of being connected to the Internet; once infected, a computer on a network spreads that infection rapidly throughout the network. In May 2005, the campus released a directive announcing the adoption of the UC Davis Cyber-Safety Program policy. Protect yourself and our community by protecting your system before you arrive and regularly thereafter.

Take appropriate precautions before arriving on campus to avoid infections, identity theft, crashes and loss of your network privileges. Follow these steps to prevent viruses and protect your computer before you move in, and update your system regularly to avoid contracting.

Safeguard your System

:: It is strongly recommended that you download Sophos Anti-Virus, which is available through the MyUCDavis Web portal. Sophos Anti-Virus is free for students, faculty and staff. It is also included on the UC Davis Internet Tools CD, which is available free along with several other useful programs at IT Express in 182 Shields Library.  Make sure that Sophos Anti-Virus is continually running and checking your system for viruses, especially if you are downloading files from the Web, checking your email, or installing unfamiliar programs. Also make sure that Sophos Anti-Virus is set to check for viruses when you first turn on your computer. You should also give your system a thorough scan at least twice a month.

:: Update your Windows operating system at Microsoft Updates and configure it to receive frequent automatic updates.

Assistance installing and configuring Norton Antivirus and Microsoft Updates is offered through both IT Express and your Computer Center.

:: Scan your system for viruses regularly. UC Davis hosts a web-based self-scan service that allows campus members to test their computers for major viruses and vulnerabilities. Information for repairing vulnerabilities and/or infections will be provided upon completion of the scan. This self-scanning service is intended only for the campus community, so testing a computer from an off-campus location will require a UC Davis login ID and Kerberos password.

:: Computer security information including announcements of current virus outbreaks and fixes are available from campus' Information & Education Technology site.

Related resources

:: Best (& worst) computer practices on ResNet
:: Cyber-Safety Basics:Security for Everyone
:: File Sharing & Copyright Warning — a letter from the Vice Provost
:: GetLegal — free music downloads for UC Davis students!
:: UC Davis Acceptable Use Policy [AUP] — the word on campus computing

Music Downloading, copyright infringement,
& other prohibited activities

The UC Davis network is continually scanned for prohibited activities and network threats. When alerted to a violation, the offending port is shut off and the “computer owner” notified. Prohibited activities and unacceptable conduct outlined in UC Davis' Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to the following:

• violation of copyright and licensing agreements
• interfering with the normal operation of electronic communication resources
• seeking/enabling unauthorized access
• creating a hostile environment
• violating obscenity laws
• any unlawful activities
• mass messaging
• seeking/providing information belonging to others without permission
• assuming a false identity
• implying university endorsement
• commercial use

UC Davis cooperates with outside agencies in the enforcement of copyright infringement laws; infringement on campus typically involves the distribution and receipt of copyright protected audio and video recordings covered by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Increasingly, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is scanning for and prosecuting violators. Though music sharing is currently the highest profile example of copyright infringement, sharing any copyright protected content without consent is illegal and includes images, data, text, software and film/video. To avoid straying into illegal waters or for more information, check out the File Sharing section of the Student Computing Guide or send your file sharing questions to dmca@ucdavis.edu. UC Davis has an agreement with CDigix to provide free music downloads to UC Davis undergraduates — visit GetLegal for more information! Ultimately, it is your responsibility to be aware of the copyrights on anything you download or upload.

When a network threat such as a virus is detected, UC Davis' Network Operations Center [NOC] will immediately shut down the offending port and send an e-mail notice detailing the reason for the shutdown and possible remedy — there can be no advance warning as the incident may threaten the integrity or security of the campus data network. Though their ResNet port is disabled, residents may retrieve the shutdown e-mail notice from computers in the LRC or campus computing labs.

Once the computer owner eliminates the threat, they must notify the campus incident response team and the port will be reactivated within a day or two. If a second breach occurs, the offending port will be shut down, a notice sent, and the computer owner must meet with a Conduct Coordinator — this incident becomes part of your university record and you may receive Student Housing/University sanctions. Repeat offenses will be treated similarly and with increasing severity.

When illegal activities such as copyright infringement, prohibited operations, or malicious acts are detected, UC Davis' Network Operations Center [NOC] will immediately shut down the offending port and the computer owner must meet with a Conduct Coordinator to determine responsibility. If found responsible, you may receive a formal warning from Student Housing, referral to Student Judicial Affairs office and/or a temporary loss of network privileges. In cases of copyright infringement, UC Davis may not be able to protect you from legal action: if UC Davis receives a subpoena for information on copyright violators, it will do its best to contact individuals prior to releasing identifying information but will respond to every lawful claim.