Even years after becoming a staple of electronic correspondance, for many people, electronic mail is still a novel experience. Countless new accounts are created daily by those just starting out with computers. The tips and tools below have been put together to help new users avoid as many of the common “newbie” mistakes as possible.
Partly due to the widespread use of email, virus writers have targetted the medium as ideal for the transmission and delivery of Virus and Trojan applications.
The payload of an email virus can be nasty. Typical “features” of email borne viruses can range from (and are not limited to) one or all of the below:
- Spreading by sending copies of itself to each email address in your email client’s address book.
- Install a Trojan application on your system that permits unauthorized access to your system without you knowing.
- Prevent people who get an infected email from you from warning you about your infection by faking (or spoofing) an email address.
- Disable application or operating system software while also damaging or deleting personal files.
- Scanning other computers on your internal network looking for vulnerable computers that it can infect.
Almost in spite the remarkable sophistication of the computer viruses, neutralizing or avoiding them is actually easy. The best defence is to use multiple layers against viruses, crackers, spam and the kid next door. A multiple layered defense means using a number of different layers of protection, usually with each being different to the previous one (thus making it more difficult for the same trick that beat one layer from also getting past a second).
Virus Scanner Software
Online virus scanning services, like those listed below, offer free virus scans and are an excellent option if you suspect an infection and currently don’t have a current (or any) antivirus software.Online scanners typically operate via a small ActiveX control that is downloaded before the scan initiates. This control then searches your hard drive(s) for known virus signatures (or patterns). If an infection has been detected, the scanner might be able to clean the file, occasionally this is not the case and a good indication the a standalone antivirus application is needed.
Microsoft’s Malware removal tool
Time limited antivirus trial software
- Computer Associates 12-month free trial
- F-secure 6-month free trial
- McAfee 90-day free trial
- Panda Software 90-day free trial
- Symantec 90-day free trial
- Trend Micro 90-day free trial
Creating a multilayer defense against viruses, crackers, spam and the kid next door should be a standard practice not only in the workplace, but also at home. Some of the products above will strip SPAM out of your inbox and offer AntiVirus as well as firewall which is a good combination of functionality to have on a home computer. In addition to preventing against known viruses and spamming techniques, Microsoft offers it’s users additional utilities to further close down Windows to threats.
For additional tips, tools and resources check out Microsoft’s Security Essentials site.
Posted by Twist in Tips and Hints, Tools and Utlities
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