In this day and age, it seems that everyone has a computer. We use computers for a variety of reasons, including communication. Email is a great invention. It is a convenient way to communicate with friends, family or just about anyone. We have also all heard about Email viruses, computer viruses, and how much damage viruses can do. This page will introduce you to computer viruses, and other potentially ruinous computer attacking programs. Also included are some helpful virus prevention tips.

A virus is computer program that causes things to happen to our computers that we neither expect, nor welcome. There are two main types of viruses. The first type attaches itself to legitimate software programs on computers. When these legitimate programs run, the virus does as well. The codes within the virus can also multiply as they are running, causing widespread damage. The second type of virus is the Email virus, sometimes called a virus hoax.

Email viruses are spread simply by opening an infected Email. The message in the subject line can take a number of forms, all of which are designed to get your attention. One recent virus had the subject “I love You”. A virus hoax email might say something like “Urgent! Protect your computer from a new virus”. Once the email is opened, the email is then forwarded to everyone in your address book. Viruses are spread through disk sharing, downloading from the internet, but most commonly through Email.

There are two basic types of Trojan Horses. One is a program which may seem harmless such as a game, but is really something completely different. The other is a piece of software that may seem legitimate and useful. In both cases, someone has inserted code for the purpose of causing corruption to computers. Trojan Horses execute when the person opening them, carries out a series of instructions. For example, the individual may believe they are down loading a legitimate program.

A worm is a program which can replicate by using a network to transmit itself to other systems. It does not need to be part of another program to accomplish this. Worms use security holes to infiltrate systems

while causing destruction in their path.

1. If the subject of an email seem questionable to you, do not open it.

2. Do not download email that seem suspicious, or are from an unknown sender

3. Do not download files that are from a suspicious or unknown source.

4. Do not download attachments from a friend or someone that you know, without confirming that it really came from them.

5. Do not open forward, or reply or junk mail. This type of mail is called spam, and is usually unsolicited.

6. Be very cautious when downloading files from the internet. These files may or may not be from a reputable source. Check to see that the site has anti-virus software checking the files.

7. Make sure to back up your files frequently

8. Use anti-virus software, and keep it updated.

Created by Shannon Leister

For SLM 521

3/21/06