VIRUS ALERTS

Knowing what to do
Last revised: 2009-08-04

Someone just sent you a virus alert by e-mail and you're losing sleep over it? Don't be alarmed! If your system is infected, it's already too late to panic anyway. Here's what you should do:

1. Cease all Internet related and file swapping activities
Shut down your Internet connection and take your computer off the network (when many computers share the same connection). Most viruses spread either via e-mail, through shared network connection, or by files which are sent, received or exchanged. So make sure that you are not infected (to not infect others) and protect yourself (to prevent getting infected) before getting back online.

2. Verify if the alert is TRUE before spreading the word
Go right to the source! Businesses specialized in fighting viruses know what is going around. Why not make it a habit to consult their hoax list to see if your "alert" is not one of their "top ten".

• Urbanlegends.com: http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blhoax.htm
• Symantec / Norton: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
• McAfee: http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp
• Secuser : http://www.secuser.com/hoax/index.htm
• HoaxKiller : http://www.hoaxkiller.fr/
• Data Fellows : http://www.datafellows.com/virus-info/hoax

3. Install antivirus software
The most popular and commonly known are of course Symantec's Norton Antivirus and McAfee's VirusScan. But there are many others. Here's a list to help you make your choice:

• F-Secure : http://www.fsecure.com/
• Norton : http://www.symantec.com/
• McAfee : http://www.mcafee.com/
• Sophos : http://www.sophos.com/
• Proland Software : http://www.pspl.com/
• Trend Micro: http://www.antivirus.com/

4. Up-date your virus definition files regularly
Most antivirus software can automatically schedule periodic up-dates when you are on line. Others merely require the click of a button. The whole up-dating procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. Someone making extensive use of the Internet and exchanging files on a regular basis should up-date his or her antivirus daily. Consult your antivirus maker's website for the procedure.

5. Educate yourself on viruses and how they spread
There is nothing like understanding a given topic to feel more secure and in control. A simple visit to the experts' sites can teach you much.

But first and foremost, don't be too quick to believe everything you hear, EVEN if the person giving you the information pretends to know the subject well. Trust those who make it their livelihood.

6. Adopt healthy habits
A few years ago, surfing the Net and exchanging files without antivirus software was just like going around kissing everybody on the lips, hoping you wouldn't catch the flu or a cold sore. Nowadays, it's suicidal! Among good habits to make your own:

1. Deactivate the "preview pane" function of your email software's Inbox (some viruses activate themselves merely by being previewed and without you having to even click the message).
2. Get a well-configured firewall or a router with an integrated firewall (some viruses go around, trying to get in through your opened connection ports; you must close the doors).
3. Never open an attachment file coming from a stranger. If the sender is well known, but the message seems strange or sketchy, check that it was really sent by him/her BEFORE opening the attachment.
4. Never open attached files without scanning them with an up-dated antivirus first, EVEN IF YOU KNOW THE SENDER.
5. Keep your software and operating system up to date. Many viruses use system vulnerabilities to infiltrate your computer. Make sure all doors are closed and locked by applying the different up-dates and security patches to your system.
6. Do a complete scan of your computer on a regular basis (i.e. weekly) in order to detect hidden viruses which were not known at the time of your last up-date.
7. Make monthly backup copies of your files (more frequently if the information is of great importance).

Remember that whatever precautions you take, there is always a risk of infection when you open your computer to the outside world, be it through downloading, exchanging or receiving files. Make it a priority to protect your system adequately to prevent the infection and spreading of viruses to your contacts and clients.