Computer Virus Threats
Virus & Hacker Threats Should You React?
 We've
all had it happen, that moment of panic when you wonder if your
computer has a virus. In that situation, we can make the wrong decisions
by deleting or installing files. If your system is set up properly
and you back up files on a regular basis, there is no reason to
panic.
Most of us have received an email "from a friend" warning us
of impending doom. Sometimes the warning is real and sometimes it's
not. Usually the email begins "I found this on my computer and I
think I may have accidentally sent it to you. Better check your
computer. I'm really sorry." The email finishes up with urging you
to send this message to EVERYONE in your address book.
Hoaxes can actually make you the virus by getting you to delete
needed programs or files causing the system to bog down or crash.
These hoaxes usually arrive in the form of an e-mail and contain
false virus warnings. When in doubt, check a list of known
virus hoaxes. The best thing to do is to delete the email.
Some virus programs appear to have been sent by a friend or a
company you have emailed before. Most come from unknown sources.
Once opened they work by pulling names out of a computer's address
book and using them to further spread the virus.
You can set your email to accept plain text only. Block or remove
emails that contain file attachments. Some viruses are even programmed
to instruct your pc to show you only the plain text but can still
infect your computer with hidden malicious code.
Prevent Computer Virus Threats
Install Virus Protection Programs
Help prevent computer viruses by updating windows regularly and
installing virus protection programs. Virus updates should be done
at least once a week. Scheduled the task time to run automatically
so that it won't interfere with your work. Set up your computer
to automatically download updates, but install the updates manually.
If your system starts running very slowly for no reason, go online
and get the system checked. A good scan of your entire operating
system, memory, hard drive and boot sector is needed.
Trend Micro has a free online virus scanner.
Anti-virus programs hunt for viruses and cleans attachments if
possible. When a file can't be cleaned, the anti-virus program will
isolate the file. The anti-virus program uses the definition list
you download from the program's website, or it matches up a general
pattern of what a virus looks like.
The schedule with which the anti-virus definitions are updated
can vary, and you may get caught in that window of vulnerability
between the virus appearing and it getting updated to the list.
Warning: The viruses will get in if you don't keep your anti-virus
program updated.
Software companies use patches to correct a problem or a weakness
that people can take advantage of. Patching is a necessity and will
be an on going method for computer systems weakness prevention.
The Internet is not always what you see. Scan all of your email
attachments as you download them. This should be done with files
you download directly from internet sites as well as music files,
programs, e-books, games, etc. Be careful sharing files with others,
such as MP3, videos, programs, pictures, etc. Downloadable data
can contain malicious code that you download without knowing it,
and will infect your computer.
Downloading the latest patch for your system can stop some of these
viruses. You need to get the most recent protection that is out
there. Get them directly from the company site. Please note that
sometimes you could receive false notifications of necessary update
patches in your email, urging you to download a patch immediately
to protect your computer. Microsoft does not send update notices
by email. These are almost always viruses.
Trojan is a code that hides from you. Even banner ads can contain
trojans. The banner ad displays another pop-up that would redirect
you to another site and load the content on that page. This would
allow the trojan to execute while you are distracted with the content
of the page. Trojan programs do not seek out new computers to infect
like a worm or virus.
A trojan has the ability to automatically infect a computer.
The fact that no fix exists for it, makes the appearance of the
trojan a problem. MooSoft developed
The Cleaner for detecting and removing trojans in your computer.
People can help protect themselves against Active X issues by
changing their IE internet security zone settings to prompt them
before running Active X components. If your not familiar with changing
security settings, visit
PC Pitstop for a free scan to check for security vulnerabilities
and automatically set your security controls.
Hackers use automated programs to break into systems and are
used by virus writers who set out to damage or use a computer system.
The use of a firewall will help prevent this. A firewall works by
warning you when someone is trying to gain access to your computer.
If someone gains access to your computer they can retrieve information
that you have entered, such as passwords, bank accounts and credit
card numbers.
Zone Labs offers a free basic firewall.
A computer worm hasn't been created to spread by instant messaging,
however it provides a target. Experts say a computer worm transmitted
by using instant messaging programs would infect as many as 1,000,000
computers in less than a minute. New threats to your computer are
created on a regular basis.
Keeping informed and using good judgment is always the very best
prevention.
J. Walker of GNC Web
Creations
Related Articles:
Computer Tech Tips on Basic Zone Alarm Configurations
Computer Virus & Hacker Threats Copyright © 2003 - 2007 J. Walker of GNC Web Creations
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