SECURITY - COMPUTER VIRUSES (Viruses, Worms and Malware)


Computer viruses and other “malware” can damage or destroy data on your computer. Back doors can open up your personal computer to anyone on the Internet. Not only can worms disrupt your own system, they can replicate themselves on the systems of people you are in regular e-mail contact with. Never accept software downloads from strangers. Never open unexpected e-mail attachments; verify them first by calling the sender, and always scan attachments and web downloads for viruses first. Be sure to install the latest anti-virus software and use and update it regularly. Be aware, though, that all virus scanners have limitations, and that virus-writing techniques are evolving continually.

There are no guarantees. Anti-virus software is an important tool to use in protecting yourself, but it is no substitute for common sense, and if you don’t update virus definition files regularly (weekly, at least) and scan regularly (the whole drive, including “Recycle” and “Trash” bins, not just system areas), then you may be hit with a virus or other software that is destructive and/or compromising.

Check this article for links to virus scanning software for your personal system.

http://email.about.com/cs/netiquettetips/qt/et101502.htm

OLLU maintains a license for McAfee Antivirus for all university-owned PC’s. Further, NTS scans all incoming and outgoing email for virus-infected attachments.
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