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Fight Against Viruses!
A virus is a program that can cause damage to a computer and can replicate itself in a computer and over the network or internet. Virus code is usually buried within the code of another program. Once executed, the virus gets activated and spreads in the system. Viruses and other types of malicious code are often spread as attachments to email messages. Before opening any attachments, be sure you know the source of the attachment. It is not enough that the email originated from an address you recognize. The Melissa virus spread rampantly because it originated from a familiar address. If files from an infected computer are sent as email attachments, it also infects the computer in which the attachment is opened. A virus can corrupt or delete files or make a computer unusable.Worm: A self-contained program (or set of programs) that is able to spread copies of itself to other computer systems. The propagation usually takes place through network connections or email attachments. Trojans: A program that neither replicates nor copies itself, but performs some illicit activity when it is run. It stays in the computer doing its damage or allows somebody from a remote site to take control of the computer. Trojans often sneak into your system attached to a free game. Tips: - Install anti-virus software o Anti-virus tools remain one of the easiest and most comprehensive defenses against malicious code. o You can purchase tools such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee VirusScan, or there are also free tools such as AntiVir Personal Edition. o You should have your anti-virus software installed on your computer before connecting to the internet. o Make sure to keep it updated. - Install a Firewall o A firewall will give you an extra layer of protection between your computer and the internet helping to stop incoming attacks. - Update Windows and your browser regularly o Windows and browser will often have security holes, vulnerabilities, which need to be patched before hackers can use them to access to your computer. - Keep your browser security at Medium or High o The Medium security level contains dozens of tweaks that block common virus propagation techniques. o The High setting goes even further, but it may prevent you from viewing legitimate sources. - Don't install "search-help bars" in your browser o Many of these search helpers are used to invade your computer and steal your information. o Not all of these search helpers are untrustworthy. Google and Yahoo! Are ok. You just need to be careful with who you put your trust in. - Don't run executable email attachments, even if sent by a friend. o Most worms today spread by infecting a machine and launching a mass email attack. You can stop that attack vector and protect your friends by not running attachments. o If you get an attachment you really want to open, save it to your hard drive, run a virus scan, and then open it if it is clean. | |||||||||||
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