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A program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer's resources and possibly shutting the system down.
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Protecting Your Computer From Viruses, Worms & Trojan Horses
Updated: 04/16/2009
For a long time computer viruses has plagued computer users who exchange data between other computer users all the time. Unless you've been living under a rock, you may have noticed that the exchange of data between computer users is expanding exponentially. At the same time, computer virus writers can effectively spread their viruses faster than ever before because of this expansion. This short document will explain what a computer virus is, and how to protect yourself from one (or many).
First and foremost, here's the definition from Pcwebopedia.com to define what a computer virus is.
| Virus: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems |
Similar to a Virus, it is also important to understand what a "Worm" is:
| WORM: | ||
A program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer's resources and possibly shutting the system down. |
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Unlike a Virus, a Worm requires NO USER INTERACTION to infect a system.
Also Similar to the computer virus, is the Trojan Horse.
| Trojan horse: A
destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike
viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as
destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program
that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses
onto your computer. |
In my experience it is important to understand that a computer virus can be in any file, on any website, and on any disk (or disc). I'll bore (or excite) you with all of the different types of viruses and worms I've encountered...a little later. But for now, let's get to the list on how to protect yourself:
Have a Virus Scanner. In my experience AVG Free Anti-Virus (or the pay version) & TrendMicro Anti-Virus scanners are both very good. You may also need a spyware scanner such has Webroot's Spysweeper (which has won several awards), AVG Anti-Spyware , or Spybot to scan for and remove Trojan horses & other spyware.
** Note that Baham Labs is no longer recommending Norton Anti-Virus, or McAfee VirusScan since our testing proves that the two above scanners outperform these scanners dramatically. Both Antivirus suites also tend to use up a large amount of CPU time and memory, dramatically slowing down the computer system they're attempting to protect. With systems I've taken into my shop for virus removal, I've even encountered computers with several viruses & trojan horses while actively running an up-to-date version to Norton Anti-Virus or McAfee VirusScan.
Keep your software updated. Once you've purchased/installed a virus scanner, it is important to keep it updated. New viruses come out every day, and both Trend Micro and AVG have downloadable updates nearly every week or everyday...download them when the program prompts you to, otherwise you will not be protected against the latest viruses.
Buy/Install the latest software yearly. Be sure to also have the latest version of the virus scanner software. Virus writers eventually learn how to disable older versions.
Scan Everything. Be sure to have your ant-virus software scanning everything you normally use whether it be Internet usage, downloaded files, e-mail (especially e-mail), CD-ROMs, floppy diskettes, ZIP drives , or anything else. It's also a good idea to perform full system virus scans periodically.
Don't trust every little program that arrives in your e-mail. Be sure to contact the person who sent you a suspicious file before opening it.
Run Windows Update. Microsoft releases updates for Microsoft Windows on a regular basis. These updates, once installed, can often times protect your computer from hackers , worms, & virus threats. Nowadays, Windows Updates are almost just as important as having updated virus scanning software.
Important! Peer to Peer Programs. Using software such as Kazaa, Morpheus, Bearshare, or Limewire will not only open your system up to spyware threats, but may also increase your system's susceptibility to viruses/ Trojan Horses.
Backup: Lastly don't forget to backup your data in case something happens. It's easy, simply write critical data to a CD, DVD, external hard drive, or USB flash drive!
---Steve
E-mail me if you have further questions contact Steve Baham here.