Computer Security – Prevention Tips
Computer Virus Prevention Tips
Computer viruses, classified as a specific type of malware that can self-replicate and attack a computer in the form of executable cod, date back to the 1970s in academic circles. Viruses are one of the most dangerous forms of malware because they do not need to be transmitted via the Internet. They can also be transmitted by exchanging software, such as floppy discs, CDs, DVDs, or by portable storage devices.
Unlike some other forms of malware, the intention of a virus is to infect and cause damage to as many computers as possible. (Unlike, for instance, key loggers, which is malware specifically meant to copy text of the targeted computers in order to steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information.)
Virus attacks can be simple, such as the Elk Cloner, the first known virus that was spread outside of an academic setting in the early 1980s. The 15-year-old creator of the virus successfully spread this mostly harmless virus among his friends via floppy discs who used Apple II computers. However, thanks to the Internet and broadband connections, viruses can cause widespread damage, such as the Melissa virus. This virus spread when a person using Microsoft Outlook opened the offending attachment in an e-mail, which sent the e-mail out to the first 50 addresses in the address book. This caused so much damage that Microsoft and Intel were forced to shut down their e-mail servers. Viruses such as this cost companies in man-hours while their computers are not functional, plus time and money in removing the offending virus.
Once a computer is infected with a virus, even a simple one, it can lead to other damage. In essence, it acts as a beacon that shows where a computer is vulnerable to attacks.
However, because viruses have been around for so long, computer experts have had the chance to study them and develop techniques of how to prevent them from spreading. The following are some tips on how to prevent a computer from being infected by a computer virus.
Antivirus Software
The most obvious starting point for most people is to buy antivirus software. However, it is important to make sure to buy the right program for the needs of everyone who is using that computer. Someone who uses their computer for a home business and who publishes their e-mail address will leave their computer open to more random attacks than the typical home computer user. Also, a family with children, who may fall prey to viruses disguised as something fun, may need to find antivirus software that features parental controls.
It’s also important to buy subscription-based, real-time antivirus software like Norton 360. This type of antivirus software is continually updated (multiple times per day), giving computers the most up-to-date protection against the latest threats. Other antivirus software options are those like Avast, AVG or Kaspersky.
Updates and Patches
Viruses are able to do the damage they do because of vulnerabilities in computer software programs, ranging from the entire operating system to whichever Web browser the user chooses. It’s an endless dance: A software company will release a product, and cybercriminals spend their time looking for ways of exploiting the software. This is why companies will provide free updates and patches for their programs, especially when there is a known vulnerability that could bring viruses and other malware to their users’ computers.
However, the dance doesn’t stop there. Even after a patch has been released, attackers will continue to look for vulnerabilities. This is why it’s important to constantly keep software up to date. Having a computer set to accept automatic updates from the operating system software is one way of keeping software updated. Some people are uncomfortable with this automatic connection with software companies, so if that’s the case, check for updates at least once a month.
Beware of Hoaxes
Some people believe every warning they see on their computer. It may be in the form of a blinking box on a Web site proclaiming they have a virus, and to “click here.” Others may receive an e-mail that was passed on from a friend, warning them to look out for the latest virus going around the Internet.
Most times, these warning are false. Some only work as a prank that means only to cause a bit of panic. Others are far more nefarious. Some mask as antivirus software, when in fact, the executable file is actually a virus. Or, some hoaxes may tell someone to delete a virus they may find in their computer, only to dupe them into deleting an important operating system file.
Always check to make sure a warning is actually true before proceeding with any action. Checking the respected Snopes.com is one place to start. Also, use a search engine to track down the validity of a virus claim.
Modify Behavior
Make sure all users of a computer understand how viruses are spread. Never open an attachment from any forwarded e-mail, and do not pass them on to friends. Also, never accept any downloads from chat rooms and instant messaging programs. Plus, make sure any downloaded software comes from reputable Web sites. And, try not to plug in a portable drive into any public computer. Learn more about Internet Security that involves threats as well as good protection habits.