Steps To Avoid Infection - Be paranoid.
- According to Murphy’s law--"If anything can go wrong, it will“ In computing, this is not as far from the truth as you might hope.
- Make sure you have an up to date anti-virus package installed on your computer.
- Do not open unexpected attachments.
- Increasingly, viruses are sent as attachments to e-mails. This is a particularly insidious method of transmission because often people will open attachments that have been sent by acquaintances, co-workers, or friends, only to find that the attachment is in fact a virus.
- Install patches for the software you use in a timely manner.
- There are viruses that exploit 'holes' or vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications. Anti-virus programs are generally able to protect you from this kind of 'malware' even if you have not installed the appropriate patch for that vulnerability.
- Always scan floppy disks and CDs for viruses before using them.
- Despite the fact that approximately 85% of all registered cases of computer infection are transmitted through e-mail, we should not ignore the traditional transport for malware: the mobile media (diskettes, compact disks, etc.).
- Users should always check these external media for viruses before using it on their computers. It is a simple, straightforward procedure to scan a disk with an anti-virus program. It takes just a few seconds, and can save hours of aggravation.
- Be careful with software, even from a credible source.
- It is not just pirated software that may be infectious. Sometimes even licensed CDs with software from well-established, credible vendors may contain viruses. Also, software downloaded from the Internet may carry a virus.
- Another source of infection may be a computer that has been taken in for maintenance that may be returned to its owner with a hard drive that is infected with a virus.
- Create a virus-free start-up disk for your computer and keep it in a safe place.
- Sometimes an infected computer cannot be started. This does not mean that a virus has deleted data from your hard drive; it only means that your operating system cannot be loaded any more.
- To solve this problem, you should use a virus-free start-up diskette containing an anti-virus program that has been developed for your operating system. This diskette will help you to start your computer and delete any viruses in your operating system.
- Back up your files regularly.
- Although this rule will not protect against virus infection, it will allow you to protect your valuable data in case your computer becomes infected (or, as an added bonus, if you have any other problems with your hardware).
- It is advisable to back up your most valuable data using external media, such as diskettes, magnetic tapes, CDs, etc. In this case, whatever might happen, you will always be prepared.
- Make file extensions visible.
- It is safe to run non-executable file content, such as JPGs, MPGs, GIFs, WAVs, etc. You just need to make sure they aren't executables in disguise.
- Most Windows versions will hide known file extensions. Thus, a seemingly harmless file, PICTURE.JPG, may be PICTURE.JPG.EXE. In Windows Explorer, look for the file extension hiding option under Folder Options.
- Don't share your hard drive (disable file sharing on your hard drive).
- If you do need to provide some file and print sharing, don't give the keys to the kingdom; use a password, and ONLY give the minimum that you have to a directory (folder) is much better than giving all of the C:\, read only is better than full access. If you have to give a C:\ administrative share, limit the number of people who can use it.
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