| Summary Preventing Computer Virus Infections
Keywords
virus, trojan, horse, worm, avoid, avert, prevent, defend, halt, stop,
tips, anticipate, block. counteract, infections
Description
To reduce the risk of computer virus infections, take the following
precautions:
- Install anti-virus software.
Anti-virus software scans files and attachments you receive for known
viruses. The program will warn you if any virus is detected, and then
either clean, quarantine, or delete the infected file(s). In addition to
protecting you against computer viruses, most brand name anti-virus
programs also provide protection against computer worms and Trojan
Horses
If your commercial business needs
more information about purchasing and using anti-virus programs, you may
find the following product sites to be useful:
If you need an anti-virus program for your personal (noncommercial)
use, then you may find these free anti-virus programs to be useful:
TECI is partnered with the above mentioned anti-virus companies or products.
Also, TECI can offer technical support for systems that have been affected
by a virus. TECI can assist you with getting the correct support for
the above mentioned products.
- Frequently update your anti-virus
software virus definition list. New viruses, worms, and Trojan
horses are created daily. To lessen the risk of executing a new virus
that is not on outdated virus definition lists, update the database
against which your anti-virus software checks for known viruses.
- Configure your anti-virus program
for maximum protection. Set your anti-virus program to
automatically start when your computer boots and run at all times. In
case you forget to start your anti-virus software, configuring it to
automatically run will ensure the computer is always protected. Make
sure your anti-virus program does not automatically open e-mail
attachments when your e-mail program receives them. Doing so will allow
you to evaluate the attachment using a virus scan to make sure it is
safe before launching it.
- Scan all incoming e-mail attachments
before opening them. Scan every attachment you plan to open using
your anti-virus software. Most anti-virus programs can be set up to
automatically check files. This should be done even if you recognize and
trust the sender. Dangerous code that appears to be from a reputable
source (Trojan horses, for example) can gain access to your computer if
you open the attachment before scanning it.
- Only download files from well-known,
established, and trusted Web sites. Questionable sources such as
Internet news groups, message boards, chat sessions, or Web sites you do
not know much about may be suppliers of viruses for your computer. If
you must download files or programs, make sure to scan each file/program
before executing it.
- Keep current on Microsoft" Windows
and Microsoft Office critical updates. Virus writers are always
looking to take advantage of "holes," or vulnerabilities in popular
programs used around the world. Keeping up-to-date on the current
updates available for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office ensures
that your computer cannot be compromised by code that exploits these
holes in security. To download Windows updates, go to
Microsoft
Windows Update. For Microsoft Office updates, go to
Office Update.
- Educate yourself on the latest
viruses and their behaviors. There are many Web sites that keep
lists of all old and new viruses, including those sites that are hosted
by anti-virus software manufacturers. Many of them have mailing lists
that send timely e-mail to subscribers regarding immediate virus
threats. One of the Web pages that you may find to be useful is the
Security
Response page that is maintained by Symantec.
- Quarantine network infections.
If your computer is on a network and it becomes infected with a virus,
report the matter to your systems administrator. He/she can determine
the source of the infection and act accordingly. This will prevent the
virus from spreading to other networked computers.
- Use floppy disks with caution.
Although floppy disks are giving way to other forms of media, they are
still widely used and are a breeding ground for viruses. Never boot your
computer from a floppy disk of unknown origin. Doing so could cause your
computer to launch a virus. Do not share floppy disks. Even a trusted
source may unknowingly pass along a virus-laden disk. Clearly label your
floppy disks, and do not loan them out. Always scan floppy disks with
your anti-virus program before using them, especially when using the
floppy disk to transfer information from one computer to another. You
could acquire a virus from an insecure network and pass it to your
system.
- Use common sense. Do not open
any e-mail attachments from dubious or unknown sources. Do not open any
attachments from a trusted source that you were not expecting to
receive. Be wary of odd links or attachments that come through instant
messaging programs. Do not download files or programs from Web sites
that look highly unprofessional or are known to harbor illegal activity
(i.e., "cracks" or "warez").
All registered
trademarks mentioned on this Web page are owned by their respective
companies.
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