As many of you already realize, Temple University is experiencing a major Windows virus outbreak. This extremely serious event is referred to as a “Zero Day Outbreak” meaning that Temple is the first place to be hit by a new set of variants based on existing viruses. Computer Services staff has been working around the clock to remedy this situation.

At this time, all on-campus computers directly connected to the Temple network are the most vulnerable. Many students in student housing were impacted by these viruses and have already brought their systems to the Computer Services Help Desk for remediation.

To prevent the virus from spreading and to protect your system, you must take immediate action by updating your Symantec antivirus program to version 10.1.4.4000. Performing this upgrade is critical. To find out your current antivirus version, double-click on the yellow Symantec shield in your system tray located at the bottom right corner of your PC. Verify that you are running version 10.1.4.4000. If you are not running this version, go to Temple's antivirus.temple.edu website, download, and install it.

Computer Services has been working closely with Symantec Corporation to develop definitions and tools to eradicate this new virus and its variants. We will continue to keep you informed as events unfold.

Please note that Macintosh and Linux users are NOT impacted by these viruses.

If you suspect that your system may be infected, feel free to stop by the Computer Services Help Desk (1st Floor, TECH Center) for assistance. Also, please be advised that the Help Desk is receiving many calls about the outbreak, so your patience is appreciated. Our office is open 24 hours a day from noon on Sunday through 7:30pm Friday and on Saturday from 9:00am to 6:30pm.