Have you caught a Virus?
May 17, 2009 Computer Safety Tip
Today’s viruses, worms, and so-called bots, which turn your computer system into a zombie that does the hacker’s bidding (such as mass-mailing spam), aren’t going to announce their 
presence. They operate in the background, quietly altering data, stealing private operations, or using your PC for their own illegal ends. This makes them hard to spot if you’re not well protected.
If your security software won’t run–that in itself is a good sign your computer is infected. Some viruses intentionally disable such programs as a way to protect themselves.
There are steps you can take to assess the damage, depending on your current level of protection.
- Run a free online virus scan to double check your local antivirus program.
- If you have antivirus software but it isn’t active, disconnect your internet and perform a scan with installed software.
- If nothing seems working there are several online virus libraries where you can find out about known viruses.
Once your PC is clean, remember to keep it up-to-date. Start with a good security program, such as Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin, which you can buy for $50. You can also get free downloads, such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, ZoneAlarm (a personal firewall) and Ad-Aware SE (an antispyware tool).
The same goes for Windows. Use Windows Update to make sure you’re getting all of the high priority updates.
A few pointer for a virus-free PC:
- Be careful with e-mail. Don’t open e-mails from people you don’t know. Don’t open attachments unless you are expecting it.
- If you have broadband internet access, i.e., DSL or cable get a router. A router adds an extra layer of protection because your PC is not connecting directly with the Internet.
- Check your Internet ports. These doorways between your computer and the Internet can be open which makes your PC very vulnerable.
