Unauthorized software found in computer labs

If you’ve recently used a computer on campus to check your credit card balance online, you may want to change your password.

Twenty-one workstations in two computer labs on campus were found with software that records keystrokes, according to an e-mail sent Wednesday evening by Mark D. Willis, chief information officer for VCU Technology Services.

This unauthorized software has the ability to gather account IDs, passwords and other personal data of anyone using the machines.

The software was found in room 3307 of the T. Edward Temple Building, and in room 125 of the Eugene P. and Lois E. Trani Center for Life Sciences. The e-mail warns anyone who used the computers in the Temple building between Nov. 23, 2005 and Jan. 26, or in the life sciences building between Jan. 17 and Feb. 2, to take security measures, such as changing account passwords.

The e-mail says the technology staff has examined all of the computer labs on campus and has not uncovered similar software.

If you used any of the computers in these labs, take the following security measures:

 Change any passwords to accounts or systems you may have accessed.

 Check any accounts or systems you may have accessed for any unusual activity or transactions.

 If you accessed any university accounts (VCU MailAnywhere, Blackboard, eServices, VCUCard), report any suspicious activity to the VCU Information Security Officer (iso@vcu.edu).

 If you used or accessed any non-University accounts (MySpace, eBay, etc.), report any suspicious activity to the organization.

For more information, visit the technology services Web site at www.ts.vcu.edu

To reach the VCU Help Desk, call 828-2227.

-Source: VCU Technology Services