One type of virus that has popped up recently holds victims’ files for ransom.

“Once a person gets this virus, it encrypts files on their computer. The only way to get the files back is to pay [the people behind the virus] $300,” Jeff Rhoades, who works for Pitt’s information technology services, said. 

This virus, called CryptoLocker, is just one way criminals target Internet users.

How students can protect themselves from cyber crime and other hazards of the digital age was the subject of Pitt’s first Cyber Security Scarehouse, which combined Halloween-themed decor with lessons about how students can protect themselves online.

Pitt’s Computer Services and Systems Development sponsored the event in honor of National Cyber Security Awareness month. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., black curtains sectioned off the Assembly Room of the William Pitt Union into a maze. 

The students who walked through the maze filled out questionnaires, stopping at various booths. Students could find the answers by talking to CSSD employees who operated the booths or by reading informative posters. Some of the questions tested students’ knowledge on topics such as spam, computer security and viruses. 

Rhoades, a manager in CSSD’s Student Computing Services who attended the event, said that students should put anti-virus software on their computer. 

“Think before you click,” Rhoades said. “When you get an email from the bank, actually go to the address. The links in the email may be fake sites.”

Orr Goehring, a CSSD communications specialist who was atthe event, said that phishing, or emailed attempts to trick users into divulging personal information, is a common problem. 

Goehring said students should know that any legitimate website would never ask them for their password over the phone or through email. Instead, banks will always verify customers’ information when they log into their accounts. 

He recommended that students back up all data on Box, a storage program that Pitt offers for free. Students can upload files to Box via flash drive or they can sync files from their computers to Box. 

Goehring also said that students should read the terms and conditions of social networking sites and  be careful about their disclosure of personal information on these sites and their allowance of who can see it.

“Is everyone on Facebook actually your friend?” Rhoades asked. 

He said not to ever post your phone number or address.

Among a tarot card reader, balloon artist and free snacks and candy, booths and posters told students what to look out for and how to stay safe on their computers.

“Check your account statements regularly to watch for unauthorized activity,” one poster read.

Another poster told students what not to do if viruses infect their computers.

“Don’t send email from an infected machine or you may pass along your virus,” the poster read.

Cindy Kwak, a junior economics and political science major, attended the event for the free T-shirt and food, but was aware of differnt computer safety concerns.

Kwak said she doesn’t think students realize that theft of their computers is a real risk on campus. 

“I’ve seen students leave their computer in the library on the first floor while they get coffee or something downstairs,” Kwak said.

Goehring said in an email that he hopes the event will start “a discussion about safe computing practices.”

“The more students know about the risks that are out there, the better prepared they will be to defend against them,” he said.