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| Combating Viruses with Safe Email Practices This has been a very interesting past couple days with the MY DOOM virus spreading faster around the world than any previous computer virus in history.
A word of advice, do not depend on email scanning from within your Anti Virus application if it has it. Some Anti Virus applications like Norton and McAfee do offer email scanning which is typically turned on by default. The reason they do this is because most people do not take the time or responsibility to check their emails prior to opening. They just open and click away. The "ONLY" sure way to minimize the threat of email viruses is prudence. The problem with having email scanning turned on, is that it is not always accurate and many times misses real viruses. The email scan also many times removes legitimate items and email.... not a good thing. Email scanning also is a major culprits as far as slowing down not only the computer but email sending and receiving and generally creating other computer functioning problems or instability. Unfortunately many people think that just because they have email scanning turned on they do not have to pay attention to what they open in email. This is so far from the truth. Typically, even if someone has a current Anti Virus software installed and they click and open a virus attachment.... it is to late. The Anti Virus software will always be playing catch up at that time. One thing to remember, is that the "ONLY" for sure way to rid a computer of many viruses is to format the hard drive, re-install the operating system and applications and restore your data. What a pain!! If you do not already backup your data, you might want to start thinking about that. Even if you are successful in removing the offending files after they have been launched, many viruses presently leave a back door open on your computer. With so many of you having High Speed internet access now, you could be a sitting duck just waiting for the next attack that now would not even need to come in via email. The best safeguards: - Install a current Anti Virus application if you do not already have one.
- Know how that application is configured if it detects a virus. The best configuration is to DELETE UPON DETECTION. However, a number of Anti Virus applications do not offer that feature as a first line of defense.
- Download and install "ALL" current updates to your Anti Virus software on a regular basis. If you leave your computer on 24/7 then setup a job to do this automatically in the early hours of the morning when you are not on the computer.
- Download on a consistent basis current virus signatures. I suggest that you check for signature updates at least once a day whenever you are on the internet. It should only take seconds. If your Anti Virus application allows for automatic signature updates.... do it! Signature updates are called different names in different Anti Virus applications. However, they are what tells the Anti Virus software what to look for as far as new viruses. Anytime there is a major virus threat as indicated on the news is also a time you should check immediately for updates to your. REMEMBER.... new viruses many times appear to the world faster than the cures are available......
- DO NOT OPEN ANY EMAIL THAT LOOKS SUSPICIOUS. Repeat after me..... DO NOT OPEN ANY EMAIL THAT LOOKS SUSPICIOUS.
- DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENT THAT YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING. Again, repeat after me..... DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENT THAT YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING. Do not rely on your Email Scanning functionality of your Anti Virus software to catch it.
- Turn on the Preview Pane in your email application and preview all emails without opening them.
- Make sure the Preview Option in your email application is set to not mark the email as "READ" when you move to the next preview item. If it is, this is just like opening the email anyway and you don't want that. With preview, you can read all your emails without opening them. NOTE: the next wave of new viruses as I have been telling many of you will launch the virus without you even clicking on the attachment, but simply by opening the email. That's a sobering thought.
- Make sure that your Folder View Options within your operating system are set to:
- Show hidden files and folders (typically turned off by default)
- Do not hide extensions for known file types (typically turned on by default)
- Do not hide protected operating system files (typically turned on by default)
- Preview all attachments without opening them. If you do not have the Folder View Options set as described in the point above you will never see the file extension of a potential virus. The following file extensions will always do or execute something upon clicking, be aware:
- .exe = executable
- .bat = batch
- .cmd = command
- .vbs = Visual Basic Script
- .zip = Zipped or compressed file
- Delete all suspicious email and empty your Delete Items Folder.
- Install and configure either a software or hardware firewall. Zone Alarm is a terrific software firewall and it is free for personal use. Check out Zone Labs.
These are the "ONLY" sure ways that you will minimize the chance and risk of getting a virus.DeHan Computer Services is equipped to assist in virus removal. Give us a call or drop us an email if you need help or have any questions. [^ Top of page] Serving the greater Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Issaquah and Eastside Area for over 15 years. DeHan Computer Services, offering professional computer services to the greater Seattle, Bellevue and Eastside area for over 15 years. Computer services include: Website Design, Hardware installation, Software installation, Custom built systems, Diagnostics, Computer Repair, Upgrades, Virus removal, IT Technical Support and much much more.
wecanhelp@dehancomputerservices.com
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