Internet Safety: Virus Protection

Once upon a time, a person bought a home computer, turned it on, installed programs, connected to the Internet, and began surfing the Web. Today, most people are smarter than that. With all the virus and worm threats running wild on the Internet, the big bad wolf is not only at your door, but he can reach inside your brand new computer without huffing or puffing, since you've left the doors wide open for him. If you get a virus or e-mail worm from some big bad wolf waiting for you somewhere on the Web, you may lose computer programs and personal data that can take days or weeks to restore.

Why is your computer at such a great risk? More viruses and worms are being created and sent out over the Web than ever before. Also, the higher speed connections of DSL and cable modems are more vulnerable to security problems. With these technologies, people leave their computers online longer than if you have a dial-up connection, often as much as 24 hours a day. According to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), an unprotected computer hooked up to the Internet can be exploited by a virus or worm within minutes.

You don't have to be helpless to these online attacks. If you take the necessary precautions before you go online, you can save yourself a lot of hassle in the future. What you can do:

Before You Connect to the Internet

• Find an Internet modem or router that has a built-in firewall (a firewall keeps outsiders from being able to access your computer)
• Install the software firewall program on your computer

Once you’re connected

Do's:

• Download any patches to your operating system or Web browser; if you use Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Internet Explorer on your computer, you can find out what patches you need by checking the Microsoft site
• Install an anti-virus program on your computer
• Scan your computer regularly for viruses
• Keep your virus software up-to-date; many programs will send updates automatically
• Upgrade your firewall software regularly
• When you create passwords on Web sites, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, using 8 characters or more, avoiding obvious words and personal information so other people won’t guess your password

Don'ts:

• Don't open e-mails from people you don't know, especially those with attachments
• Don't click on links in unsolicited e-mails asking you for account information; some scams often mimic company sites (like Microsoft!) and trick you into sharing your account numbers, passwords, and other personal information
• Don't share passwords

Detecting Spam in your e-mail

• Subject lines that talk about products from companies with which you don't do business
• Messages that don't match the subject matter
• Unusual messages that appear to be from people you know but may be viruses or come from spoofed addresses; when in doubt contact them first

A virus or worm can cause your computer to run more slowly, to act strangely, and sometimes to not work at all. If you think you’re computer is infected with a virus or worm, try the following:

• Unplug from the Internet
• Back up your important files
• Install an anti-virus program from a CD
• Scan machine

If you think you're still infected:

• Reinstall your operating system
• Have someone you know and trust come look at your computer, or take it to a professional

Keep the Wolf Outside
Now you know that viruses and worms are out there. Just like the third little pig, you can't keep the wolf from your door, but with good common sense you can keep him out of your computer.