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March/April 2008
How do I protect myself from computer malware?
Each year the damages from computer malware cost US
businesses billions of dollars.
These costs are not only in lost productivity, but
permanent loss of critical business data.
Arguably, most if not all infections are preventable
with the proper understanding, training and protection.
Don't be the next victim, take the steps now to
ensure protection and recovery if the worst should happen.
First, let's understand computer malware.
Often the term virus is used to describe all malware.
Technically speaking, there are viruses, Trojan
horses, worms and spyware.
The attack method may differ but they are all
malicious.
A virus is a program that runs itself and replicates itself.
It can affect files or the boot sector and can delete
all your data.
The "Melissa" and "I Love You" viruses gained global
attention.
A Trojan horse allows access to your system without your
knowledge. Often a Trojan looks like a useful piece of
software but in fact they are back or trap doors.
Computer worm is a self-replicating computer program. It
uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes.
Once on the system, worms do not need to attach to
another program and can run themselves. Worms cause a denial
of service attack making the network unusable.
In general, worms target the network and viruses
attack files.
Spyware is computer software that is installed on a personal
computer to intercept or take control of the PC.
Spyware can hijack a computer and cause serious
problems by gathering and transmitting personal data,
loading undesirable software or redirecting browsers to a
malicious sites.
Protecting yourself -
- Use a
firewall
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Keep your system updated with the latest security
patches
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Install and update anti-virus and anti-spyware software
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Do not open email from anonymous, unknown or suspicious
sources
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Do not download files or software from anonymous,
unknown or suspicious sources
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Do not navigate to suspicious or promiscuous websites
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Regularly scan your system
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Be sure that you have a good backup so that you can
restore your full system if needed
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If you think you have been attacked, act quickly to
isolate the infected computer and remove the malware.
Call us at the LAN Systems HelpDesk 770 662-0312
if you have questions or concerns.
We suggest a three prong approach to keep your system safe:
educate, protect, monitor. We offer support programs that
include protection and monitoring for the various threats.
Please be watchful of the sites you visit, the
software you download and the email you open as the threats
to your system change daily.
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