🚀 go-pugleaf

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  <MCMAHON@GRIN1>
Programmer
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa 50112
(515) 269-4901

My own opinions, of course . . .