Alert From NU Information Security: Online Video Content and Viruses

October 19, 2007
Participants in online video experiences such as mySpace, YouTube, and Facebook, are advised that viewing certain videos on these or similar sites can cause your computer to visit a fake website that asks you to re-enter your user ID and password. By doing so, your user ID and password will be sent to a unknown third party, and your computer may then automatically download a virus or other hostile software. You can help reduce the risk from these threats by placing your pointer on the video to be watched, then check the status line of your browser to ensure it displays the legitimate website from which the video is offered. Examples of hostile websites found thus far are: Zu7e5.cn, and mchiin.cn.

If you believe your computer has been infected with a virus, contact the IS Help Line at x4357. Students may also choose to bring their computers to the ResNet Resource Center for assistance.

IS Customer Service
Office of Information Security and Identity Services