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Tip 1: Backup, Backup, Backup
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Eventually, it's going to happen. The day will come when your computer goes down and all your data goes down with it. Whether your PC gets hit by a virus, worm, Trojan, or your hard disk simply decides its time to go "bye-bye," a good back up strategy is really the only sure-fire way to keep disaster at bay. Important data should always be backed up on a separate Zip, CD or floppy disk before you leave your desk. Full data backups should be done routinely, at least once a week. Maintain an archive of data backups so that you can restore from several different time points, if it becomes necessary. Maintain a duplicate set of data disks off-site in case of fire disaster. |
Tip 2: Install, use, and update anti-virus software
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Computer viruses are simply programs or scripts that cause various levels of damage to your PC, such as corrupting system files, copying itself into files, slowly deleting all your hard drive etc. The level of damage depends on the virus. Most viruses have the ability to spread really quickly by mailing themselves to other people in your address book. Others viruses such as, Trojan Horses, sneak on to your computer through an infected program. Trojans enable hackers to get into and control your computer such as deleting/downloading/uploading files, stealing passwords or credit card information, and much more.
Modern anti-virus programs detect malicious code quite reliably but it is very important to remember that NO anti-virus program offers 100% protection! Anti-virus programs cannot compensate for the imprudence of the user or the use of unsafe software. No anti-virus program will ever detect all viruses all the time! Anti-virus programs can only protect your PC from what they know about. Since new viruses surface every day, it's very important for you to keep your anti-virus program updated regularly. Given the dangers that exist on the internet it is a good idea to guard your machine on several fronts. The strategy: a good Anti-virus program coupled with knowledge of safe computing practices and a safety arsenal that includes Anti-spam, Spyware and Trojan detection software. |
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| Recommended essential software:
Norton Antivirus (self updating) or McAfee Antivirus
Adaware or Spybot: - Spyware detection software (http://www.safer-networking.org)
Trojan hunter: Guards specifically against Trojan horse infections (http://www.trojanhunter.com)
Spamgunner: Anti-spam software (http://www.spamgunner.com/)
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Tip 3: Keep your operating system patches up to date
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You are strongly advised to apply all security-related patches for your software as they become available. Essential patches include those that affect Outlook Express; as well as, your Internet Browser such as Internet Explorer. Use the Windows Update feature on your computer or go to MS website (http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp) to check for the latest updates |
Tip 4: Internet Alternatives.
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Consider using browser based "webmail" as your primary e-mail and avoid downloading attachements
Most ISPs offer a web-based e-mail system that allows you to send and receive e-mail using your internet browser. Using this method may reduce the possibility of a virus infecting your PC since all of the "web" e-mail is stored remotely on your ISPs server. However, if you choose to download the attachments to your machine then it is important to scan them before you open them. Internet sites such as Yahoo.com and MSN Hotmail.com offer free webmail services with spam filtering technology.
You may also consider using alternate browser's such as Netscape http://www.netscape.com or Opera: http://www.opera.com to prevent security exploits directed at Internet Explorer. |
Tip 5: Exercise caution when reading e-mail with attachments.
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| When using an e-mail program such as "Outlook Express:" |
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Never open email attachments from someone you don't know |
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Never open email attachments forwarded to you even if they're from someone you know |
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Never open unsolicited or unexpected e-mail attachments until you've confirmed the sender actually meant to send them. If you know the sender and you are absolutely sure they intentionally sent the attachment, then scan it with an up-to-date virus scanner before opening it. |
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Never pay attention to virus warnings you receive in your e-mail or even forward them unless you subscribe to a serious virus newsletter. Many of these "friendly warnings" are hoaxes or contain virus themselves. |
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If you get something that appears to be legitimate don't hesitate to ask the person it came from if they sent it before you open it. Bottom line is, if you don't know what a file is - don't open it! |
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Tip 6: Learn about "safe" file formats
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| Understanding file extensions is another way you can minimize your risk of contracting computer viruses on your PC. Typically, valid file formats will resemble those below: |
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Valid picture/image formats:
.jpg, .jpe, .tif, .gif, .bmp |
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Valid text/document formats:
.doc, .txt, .rtf, .pps, .csv, .xls, .htm, .eml, .pdf |
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Valid video/media formats:
.mpg, .asf, .mov, .wav, .mp3, .wma, .avi, .rm, .mpeg |
| Warning Flags! |
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Pay attention to files with multiple extensions. Never open any files containing double extensions such as those below. Files like these can be harmful. |
| Myhappydog.txt.exe willow.doc.pif Melissa.vbs.vbs |
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Some viruses were designed to fool you into opening them. Generally, the last extension is the relevant one. For example, a file named hello.mp3.exe is an executable program (.exe) and not an MP3 file! Opening a file of this type can lead to trouble. You can't go wrong by simply ignoring any file with more than one extension. |
| "Bad" Files! |
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There are a number of files that can cause problems The following extensions indicate the attachment is a program, or can cause an external command to be run: Don't open these unless you are certain they are from a trusted source. |
| exe. .com .bat. |
| Red Flags! |
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Do not open anything that ends with the following extensions under any circumstances. |
| .pif .vbs .lnk .scr |
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Tip 7: Preserving your privacy
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Never use the "Unsubscribe" feature of spam emails or reply to spam mails because by doing so, you confirm the validity of your email address and the spammer can keep on sending you unsolicited commercial email, which you probably don't want. The proper way to deal with spam is to delete it and, if you wish to do so, complain about it to the sender's Internet Service Provider (you need to analyze the message headers to determine the ISP, do not rely on the sender's alleged email address which is probably forged or fake in most cases). To report spam go to http://www.spamcop.net |
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Never disclose personal, financial, or credit card information to little-known or suspect web sites or through e-mail. |
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Never use public or Internet café computers to access online financial services accounts or perform financial transactions. |
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Tip 8: Know your downloads:
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Probably the easiest way to pick up unwanted trojan horses/viruses is by downloading free software from random shareware or "warez" sites. Free screen savers can contain more than you bargained for. Avoid downloading shareware from unknown sources or you just might find yourself downloading a Trojan! CNET.com offers reviews and comments about shareware and also offers free downloads. It is a good resource site for useful utilities however, any program obtained should be scanned thoroughly for viruses before installing it on your computer.
Though, to date, MP3 files are not usually the source of viruses, many of the programs used to obtain MP3s can lead to serious problems on your computer including: excessive pop-ups, porn advertisements, installing dialers, and "web-jacking" (redirecting your browser to unwanted web sites). When treading these shark infested MP3 waters proceed with caution. If you simply must have those hot, new MP3s consider using legitimate pay per file sites like: Raphsody.(real.com), Napster.com, or E-music.com.
Peer -to- Peer; P2P (file sharing programs such as: Kazaa, Limewire, Morpheus, etc.) can also be a source for viruses and other problems. Many of these programs rely on advertising support and will download "companion" programs or spyware programs which feed marketing information back to the internet without your knowledge. Malicious users sometimes share "bad" files intended to do harm to your machine. Unless you know what you are doing and are willing to take the risk, it is best to avoid these programs entirely. Lastly, instant messaging programs such as: MSN, Yahoo, and AOL messenging can provide a path for viruses through file sharing. Make sure to update these programs regularly to avoid security exploits on your machine. Many new worms are spreading themselves through the internet using "buddy lists" and infecting unsuspecting user machines. Enjoy your chat sessions but avoid opening any files transferred to you by these programs. |
| We hope that this guide was helpful and that you enjoy all the best the internet has to offer and keep clear from the worst! If you run into trouble don't panic! We're here to help. Call: Aqueryus Group 714-841-4090. |
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