A computer virus is a program or piece of code that replicates itself and infects programs on your computer by modifying them or their environments. Using the infected program automatically causes a copy of the virus to be executed, allowing the virus to do whatever it was programmed to do. Some viruses are merely pranks, while others damage your files and drain computer resources.
How to Protect Yourself
- Install anti-virus software and keep it updated. Adequate virus protection is very important for the security of your computer. Scan your computer regularly.
- Install operating system security updates regularly. If you use Windows,
you can configure Windows to
automatically
install updates
, or use the Windows
Update Web site. If you use Macintosh OS X, use the
Software
Update utility. - Use a firewall. By activating a firewall on your computer, you can limit the function of viruses that use your Internet connection. Bsafe offers a free firewall with its protection plans. Some operating systems also provide their own firewalls.
- Be wary of e-mail attachments. Open an attached document only if you know the source and are reasonably sure of the content.
- Don’t enable auto-open features in your e-mail software. These features decrease the amount of control you have over attachments you receive and can easily let a virus through.
- Don’t allow macros when viewing documents. When opening a word processing document, don’t allow macros (embedded programs) to be executed unless you are certain it is safe. Macros can be viruses in disguise.
Virus Hoaxes
Many virus warnings sent through e-mail are merely hoaxes designed to frighten or mislead users. Hoax e-mails are usually spread by convincing the recipients to forward the message on to others. Real virus warnings from authoritative sources will not request that you forward the message to everyone you know.
When you receive a warning about a virus, check one or more of the following Web sites to confirm its validity before passing it on:
- Symantec AntiVirus Research Center
- CERT Coordination Center
- Computer Associates Virus Information Center
Some of the content on this subject was originally written by Pete Holzmann of the International Christian Technologists’ Association. Used with permission.