Do you get redirected when you try to log in
to WebCT from your personal computer? If the answer is yes, read
on.
What is going on?
Students are reporting incidents of being redirected
to a search engine when they try to log in to WebCT from a remote
computer. If this problem is affecting you, here is some information
you should know.
There are currently a large number
of pernicious pieces of software that can be downloaded onto your
machine without
your knowledge. This software can come bundled with free downloads
such as music-swapping programs. The names used to describe this
software are spyware, adware, parasites and browser-hijacking software,
among others.
This software runs in the background and can
perform any number of pernicious operations. These operations include
but are not limited to the following:
1. It can periodically display pop-up ads
when you run a browser.
2. It can record key strokes, such
as what password you type when you check your grades or your
bank account.
3. It can keep track of the Web sites you
visit and send information to companies.
4. It can corrupt your browser and a) prevent
you from getting to Web sites you wish to see and b) send you to
Web sites you do not wish to visit.
What do I do?
There are some things that you can do to clean
up the problem.
1. CITES has put up a page at http://www.cites.uiuc.edu/security/spyware.html .
Go to this Web site for the CITES recommendations.
2. We also recommend uninstalling your
Internet Explorer browser and reinstalling the latest version of
I.E. If this does not work, install the latest version of Netscape
and use WebCT with Netscape.
If you are still having trouble or are short
on time because you have a deadline, we recommend using a CITES computer
center or using the Chemistry Learning Center to complete any assignments.
We hope this helps.
