Information Technology Services:

Spam, Scams, Viruses & Worms

Spam

• The Mills mail server scans every new message and assigns it a ranking based on its content. If the ranking is high enough, the message is delivered to your 'spam' folder. If the ranking is low enough, the message is delivered to your 'INBOX'.
• Please check your 'spam' folder if you are expecting a message and it is not in your INBOX. Otherwise, you can ignore your spam folder.
• If you receive spam in your INBOX, forward it to spam-report@mills.edu. Using Webmail, click on the 'related' button when reading the message. More details on the Reporting Spam page.
• If you receive a legitimate message in your 'spam' folder, forward it to not-spam@mills.edu. More details on the Reporting Non-Spam page.

Scams and Hoaxes

• You will likely get messages in your mail asking you to act on a request. These can include anything from deleting a file on your PC to offering personal, banking, or credit card information to update records or act quickly to close a deal.
• Consider the source carefully before replying as there are dozens of scams attempting to get enough information from you to steal your money and commit what is called 'identity theft' where they establish credit or a loan representing themselves as you.

Viruses and Worms

• A virus is a program that requires you to perform an action, like opening an attachment. A worm is a program that enters your computer via trusted channels without your knowlwdge.
• Over 90% of all worms are written to exploit Microsoft Windows. Keeping your PC current via the 'Windows Update' service should keep them out.
• Over 90% of all viruses are also written to run on Windows PCs. Keeping your virus protection software current is the first line of defense. See Fast fix for your PC and Free virus protection software. The free software requires you to log in with your login name and password.
• If Central Systems staff detect that any PC is infected, we will act immediately to prevent the PC in question from infecting others. This will involve blocking services to the infected computer or blocking the person using it from key services. See our Computer Agreement for 'rules of conduct'.
• You protect your computer as best you can and we will do our best to protect everyone from everyone else.