Virus Prevention Tips

The threat of viruses infecting our computers is a serious matter. Luckily, the steps for avoiding an infection on your equipment are relatively simple.

1. The first step in preventing infection is by installing anti-virus software on your all your computers. A good antivirus system will scan your machine regularly to clean it from any infected files. Some popular antivirus systems are Norton Antivirus, Panda Antivirus and McAfee. It is advised to NOT connect to the Internet without AV protection – the cost is well worth it.

2. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 200 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected.

3. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT! Always use caution and do not open, download, or execute any suspicious files or email attachments. If the file was in fact legitimate, you can always ask the sender to resend it. Do not open any files attached to an email

a. from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
b. ending with: .exe, .com, .scr, .pif, .vbs.
c. that you were not expecting to receive
d. unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better to be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
e. if the subject line is questionable. When sending e-mail, use a subject that will not be detected as spam, and do not leave the subject line blank.

4. Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.

5. Use caution when downloading files from the Internet . Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all.

6. Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy.