Virus protection

A computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto a computer and is capable of attaching itself to other files and replicating itself repeatedly, usually without the user's knowledge or permission.

A virus can be transmitted through:

• an attachment to an email
• downloading infected programming from other websites
• network fileservers or shared folders
• a floppy disk or CD.

Some viruses will activate as soon as the infected file is opened, while others will lie dormant in the computer system until activated by a trigger. The trigger could be reaching a specific date or activating a particular function (such as reading an email). While some viruses replicate themselves without causing any further damage, most will also attempt to carry out other activities (known as the virus ‘payload’). This can range from sending random emails to deleting the entire contents of your PC.

Other virus-related attacks include worms and trojans.

Worms differ from regular viruses in that they only reside in computer memory, rather than attaching themselves to system files. Many email viruses are worms.

Trojans are pieces of code hidden in what appears to be legitimate software.

For instance, a game you download from the internet may also contain code to monitor which internet sites you visit.

The best protection against computer viruses is to use anti-virus software. Install it on your organisation’s email server and PCs.

Anti-virus software should be installed on all your organisation’s PCs. Once you are a licensed user, regular automatic updates will be sent to your computer from the vendor site when new viruses emerge. By being proactive and keeping such systems up to date, you can significantly reduce the risk of your organisation being harmed by viruses.

Change your browser

Most of us use Internet Explorer as our web browser – after all it comes free as part of the Windows package with your PC. However the ubiquity of Internet Explorer (it has over 90% of the browser market) also makes it the major target for the creators of viruses and spyware. There are plenty of other browsers that work just as well, are also free and are less subject to security breaches. These include the Firefox and Opera browsers – both offer PC and Mac versions. You can install one of these and then import your Favourites and History from your old browser.

Anti-virus software doesn’t pick up everything, so making yourself a smaller target by having a non-mainstream browser will help as well.

Other steps you can take to protect against virus attacks include:

• being cautious about opening unsolicited emails, especially if they contain attachments
• only download software from trusted sites
• disconnect your PC from the internet when not in use (just pull out the internet plug). Even better turn your PC off and save standby power also.