Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rutgers!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!sei.cmu.edu!krvw From: MCMAHON@GRIN1.BITNET (McMahon,Brian D) Newsgroups: comp.virus Subject: Re: Questioning ethics at computing sites Message-ID: <0005.9001091603.AA00926@ge.sei.cmu.edu> Date: 8 Jan 90 16:08:25 GMT Sender: Virus Discussion List Lines: 38 Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu Jeff_Spitulnik@um.cc.umich.edu tells us of inaction at his institution upon discovery of a widespread WDEF infestation, and asks: > What should be done to rid UM of the WDEF virus or of any virus for >that matter? How does the bureaucracy at your institution handle it? >I question the ethicality of a laissez-faire attitude on viruses at >any institution. While I am unfamiliar with the bureaucracy at U. Mich., it certainly appears to me that Jeff has made a reasonable, good-faith effort to gain attention through the usual channels, and has been stone-walled. Rather than speculating as to why, the first priority should be to protect users from further damage. You need a campaign of public education, and you need it yesterday. I would suggest starting with the student consultants you mentioned in as online_help receivers. Give them the tools to detect, remove, and prevent WDEF (Disinfectant 1.5 with either GateKeeper Aid 1.0.1 or Eradicat'Em 1.0) and have them put the word out. If there is another staffer who is responsible for the students, it may be advisable to go through him first. Logon messages, signs in public Mac labs, and newsletter articles are other possible channels. Be sure to emphasize that there's no immediate cause for panic, only prudence. As for the ethical question ... In my personal opinion, KNOWINGLY allowing unsuspecting users to contract infections is EXTREMELY irresponsible. The question is, is the threat really "known" to the bureaucracy, or is this a case of "not my department?" If you have a co-ordinator of micro labs (or some such position), I might suggest a review of anti-viral procedures ... Brian McMahon Programmer Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa 50112 (515) 269-4901 My own opinions, of course . . .