Five Simple Tips to Avoid a Computer Virus
Often it is the simplest of actions, (or inactions) which
will keep our clients and users in general free from virus infections.
A Virus is a computer program which replicates itself,
normally with bad intent, spreading from one computer to another.
The term ‘Virus’ is often used as a generalisation referring
to all types of application, but there are multiple types of malware which can
infect computers, there are in general terms three basic types;
o Viruses
(including worms which use bandwidth and Trojans who steal data).
o Spyware
(cookies, data phishing, key-loggers who steal your personal data)
o Adware
(irritating pop-ups, rogue & fake software and "browser
hijackers")
The main methods of infection are:
o Email
attachment files of any type which are from untrusted, unrecognised senders
Adult or gambling websites.
o Opening
or downloading unknown software and video files – often file-sharing.
o Poor
network firewall policies
o Installing
free downloaded programs, such as screen savers that again are not from a trusted
source
Without doubt the carrier of most virus infections is email
– in one shape or form.
So Five Simple Tips to Avoid a Computer Virus;
There are some simple rules that computer users can apply to
their daily work that would help them avoid infection;
1.
Adopt an intolerance towards ‘joke’ and ‘chain mail’ emails which breed
an attitude of acceptance to attachments from various sources
2.
Don't open any attachments unless you are certain you know the source of
the email, the sender & you are certain you are expecting an email of that
type from the sender who forwarded the mail.
If you are have any doubts on the validity
of the source or attachment that you have been sent, do NOT open it and check
with the individual that sent the mail before opening it, or simply delete it.
3.
Keep your Windows operating system up to date by using the Microsoft Windows update website
or by utilising our remote management service.
4.
Keep your Anti Virus & Anti Spam software up to date on your
workstation/network/Exchange services.
5.
Never download software from ‘free’ sites, pirate video or music sites.
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