6 Tips to Avoid Computer Virus

We are all aware of the threat of constant virus attack on our personal or business computers. Just because your computer is saying that it is protected does not mean that you are – this is a common misconception. Your anti-virus software may say you are protected, and that it has completed a scan, and that your computer is clean when that is not the case. If your definitions are not up-to-date, your anti-virus software cannot see newer viruses. On top of that, your definitions may not include the latest and most damaging anti-virus definitions. Definitions are what allows your anti-virus software to see viruses. Each new virus must have a new definition or it is invisible to the program. In which case you are wide open for attack. Apart from never being on the internet, and never copying anything onto your computer, you will always be under threat. This is why you will need the best of the best software and if you are a business, you will need good business IT support.

Understanding. Viruses come in many forms, and for the purpose of this article and efforts to avoid them, I will bundle them all under the same term. They can be the old-school virus, which is simple but can create real damage on your computer from just viewing an email, a ‘worm’ which replicates itself and continues to infect many other computers, or a ‘trojan horse’ – often along with other software, often free, that you have downloaded from the internet. Whatever the case, here are some simple tips to avoid them….

Software. You must have anti-virus software on your computer to protect you from all threats. The better respected the software, and the better the name, the larger the company, and the better that it will protect you as it is more likely to have more people working on it around the world, and detecting and quickly implementing a new virus definition. This is an absolute must. Remember you will be calling for IT support very soon if you don’t have it. You can also look at other software more than anti-virus, such as anti-spy ware, yes some companies are tracking what you are doing long after you have left their website.

Downloading. Many free software will contain hidden software that will start to play with your computer. Even some paid. It is important to only download software from trusted sites and trusted companies. A good anti-virus software program will also assist you with this, and a good browser should advise you on what sites to trust. Security certificates on those sites will exist, if they are not, or out of date, you will not be able to trust them. Your browser and your software you handle all of this for you and you just need to follow the prompts, without the need for being an expert.

Email. Attachments in your email are the most common form of sending you a virus. Once you have opened the attachment, you have been infected. Some other really nasty viruses, infect your computer, just by viewing the email. They slip through the display program. Block emails from unknown senders and never open attachments from sources you do not know. Again your software should help you here.

Firewall. Always keep your firewall on.

Not limited to the internet. Remember that any files copied onto your computer are potentially a threat. It could be through a USB storage device.

These simple first steps should go a long way in keeping your computer protected, but still nothing is absolutely guaranteed, and if you are running a business, that is something that you should keep in mind. There are 2 kinds of people in this world, those who lost data, and those who will. Always have a system of regular back-ups.

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