Virus scanning from a web page – a small applet is downloaded and installed – then the machine is scanned

Barry Wareham

WMC521 – Spring 2002

Tips for avoiding computer viruses

Introduction: Anyone who shares computer files and disks, or is connected to the Web, is at risk for contracting a computer virus. There have even been rare cases of viruses being present in shrink wrapped, new, commercial software. There are, however, some very simple steps that you can take to protect your computer and your files.

Microsoft Products: Because they hold such a large market share of home computers, Microsoft products are a favorite target of some virus writers. If you are using Microsoft Windows, email, or browser software, on a PC, you are among the most vulnerable of computer users. This is especially true if your PC is connected to the Internet. Below are some suggestions to help you protect yourself.

Virus Protection Software: Get a software package and keep it updated. Your software is only as effective as its latest update. If you do not update your software and scan your machine regularly (weekly?) you are not protected.

Computing Practices: The use of virus protection software guarantees nothing. There are some practices you must make part of your “computer habits” in order to help protect your data files.

1. Never open an email which has come from someone you do not know.

2. Never run a program sent to you, usually as an attachment in an email, without scanning it first.

3. Never insert a strange computer disk into your system without first running a scan.

4. Run your virus scan at least once each week

5. Update your virus software at least once each week

6. Update Windows software frequently (updates frequently fix security holes)

7. Be mindful of “where you go” on the Web. Most mainstream web sites are safety conscious. Some smaller and “back room” operators may not be trustworthy.

Helpful Web Sites:

This site offers information about their software and some web tools to use to assess your safety level: http://housecall.antivirus.com/

Lists of the more recent, detected, viruses: http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/

McAfee Virus Protection Software - http://www.mcafee.com/

Symantec Home Virus Protection Software - http://www.symantec.com/homecomputing/

Virus “Threat List” Database from Symantec Corp -

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html

Virus “Hoaxes”: Don’t help to them Spread!

One thing that makes virus protection a tough problem is the proliferation of Virus Hoaxes. Virus warning messages are posted on the web and sent in emails. They create a great deal of net traffic and wasted time and resources. Real viruses replicate themselves in order to spread from computer to computer. Hoaxes, on the other hand, count on you to do the work! So, when you get an email warning about a new virus, check its authenticity before sharing it with everyone in your address book!!!

Here are some sites you can visit to check the validity of the virus warning:

Symantec Security Risk, Hoax Page

http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

F-Secure virus Hoax Page

http://www.europe.f-secure.com/news/hoax.htm

McAfee Virus Hoax Page 1, Page 2

http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp

http://vil.nai.com/VIL/hoaxes.asp

Stiller Research – Virus Hoax News

http://www.stiller.com/hoaxes.htm

Barry’s Home Page

Virus Hoax Form Letter

Given that I knew the sender, I would say:

Dear ________

Please note that the virus warning you recently sent to me is a hoax. Unfortunately, there are many such messages floating around on the Internet. Some of these have been circulating for years. When you receive such emails, please check with one of these web sites to determine if the threat is valid.

Thank You,

Barry