Virus
Computer viruses are malicious code that replicates itself and spreads via email or over the internet. The newest Viruses do not require you to do anything, you just have to be connected to the internet.
What Can You Do?
- Run a Good non-free Antivirus Program
- We recommend AVG by Grisoft. This program is a 2 year license that automatically updates it's virus definitions daily
- Norton Antivirus is still good
- Mcafee online is not as good
- The Corporate edition of almost every antivirus program is really good
- Don't open unknown email attachments
- Today's Viruses will infect your address book and send email to everyone in your address book as someone else listed in your address book
- If you receive an attachment from someone you know and weren't expecting it, just write back a short letter asking them what it is
- Keep software up to date
- These programs regularly release security patches that close exploits and make your system run better
Spyware / Adware
Spyware/Adware is software that installs on your computer without your knowledge; then monitors and transmits your activity to someone else on the internet
- A study by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) estimates 80% of home PC's are infected with spyware. -NCSA on-line safety study 10/25/2004
- Microsoft estimates that spyware is responsible for 50% of all PC crashes
-Information Week "Tiny Evil Things" 4/26/2004
What Can You Do?
- ONLY shop at trusted merchants
- Make sure you know who you are purchasing from. Just because it is a secure web site, does not mean it is.
- www.bbbonline.org
- Say No to pop-ups
- Say no to pop-ups that want to install stuff, even better, just click the X in the upper right corner.
- If you know and trust the source, then maybe install the software, i.e. Microsoft
.
- Known Spyware applications: Do not download these applications
- Coolwebsearch
- Hotbar/Huntbar
- VX2/Virtual Bouncer
- Weatherbug
- WhenU
Hoaxes & Phishing
Hoaxes: The only difference between a Virus and Hoax is how it is distributed. Hoaxes that warn of some impending doom, a wrong done to someone, chain letters, etc. can all be sent in mass form by people thinking they are doing the "right" thing, thus overwhelming mail servers just like a virus.
What Can You Do?
- Be Responsible. Before forwarding emails that warn of a new threat, visit the following web sites.
Phishing: Phishing is an email scam where the email appears to be "from" reputable businesses asking you to verify personal information in order to perpetrate identity theft.
What Can You Do?
- NEVER respond to an unsolicited email requesting your personal information
- Call the institution the email is posing as to report the scam
