The Computer Teacher

Have you received such a warning that tells you to follow instructions on an attachment? Do not open that attachment! The folks who create and spread viruses have become very creative and can make you believe that an e-mail comes from a legitimate friend or a known authority. Okay, how can this happen?

Virus, which is the catch-all name for malicious computer code that enters your computer, has several classification names such as worm or Trojan horse. To spread a virus the creator must convince a lot of people to execute (start) their dangerous program. Once the program has started, it will complete its malicious job. But how do they get to know your personal friends? Virus spreaders are looking for machines that are not up to date with the latest security patches issued most often by Microsoft. They also look for computers that are connected to the Internet through cable or DSL connections without the protection of a firewall. A firewall is similar to your front door lock-without the lock, entry to your house is unimpeded. Once they find that vulnerable machine and implant a virus, it will probe the machine for a variety of information, including the e-mail address book. Armed with this information, they can spoof (fake) your e-mail address as the sender of an e-mail and make your friends think the message came from your machine. These are known as "mass-mailing" worms.

A number of security software companies offer system checks. Symantec, producer of Norton products, offers a free check point for your computer. Go to:
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym. Once you click the Go button, the available options will be checking security vulnerability or virus check. This process will take some time since Symantec will need to scan your computer's hard drive for evaluation purposes. McAfee also offers a free scan of your system for viruses. Go to: http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp and look for McAfee FreeScan.

Some basic common sense precautions to take that will help to keep your computer safe.

If you are not sure whether an e-mail attachment is indeed from a friend and safe, just given them a call. If they say no, delete the message and do not click on the attachment.
Never reply to an e-mail requesting personal information such as social security number, account numbers, passwords, even if it looks like it came from your bank.
Change your web browser security settings so nothing is installed without your permission. This varies widely from browser to browser. Check the help section for security settings.
Be careful downloading files from a website that you do not know. Do a general search on the company offering the download using one of the many search engines such as www.google.com to make sure it is legitimate. Do your homework.
Disable file transfer in your instant messaging software.
Protect your computer with virus checking software, a firewall (Window XP and Vista have a built-in firewall that must be turned on), and software that detects Spyware such as Spybot. KEEP THESE UP TO DATE. Just installing the software without regular weekly updates leaves your computer in a vulnerable position.

If it does not feel right, trust your instinct!