VIRUSES are software programs deliberately designed to interfere with the operation of a computer but experts say there are several steps computer users can adopt to counter the threat.
INSTALL an industry standard anti-virus program.
Usually this can be done free of charge and although security programs do protect computers, nothing is 100 per cent fool-proof. Security programs can be bought or downloaded.
KEEP your security packages up to date. New viruses are being created all the time.
INSTALL an industry standard firewall program. A firewall places a virtual barrier between a computer and internet hackers who might try to delete information of steal the identity of users.
NEVER open e-mails, attachments or pop-up windows you are not familiar with. Attachmentsare said to be particularly dangerous.
ANY more tips to add? Let us know!
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Bob, North West (31/05/2006 at 09:22)
Thomas Taylor, Manchester (31/05/2006 at 10:22)
mark, rochdale (31/05/2006 at 11:53)
Also i use a free programme called adaware se it scans your pc and removes critical items from the pc and costs nothing.
www.adaware.com
Just down load this and it might be of help to you.
Ian, Stockport (31/05/2006 at 12:24)
Pamela, Crumpsall (31/05/2006 at 13:32)
Attachments should NEVER be opened unless you are expecting it, even if it is from somebody you know as they might not know they are infected.
Search for the option in your mail program that stops a file from running automatically, or that connects you to a website. When you start a program, pressing the F1 button usually brings up the help file to assist you in doing this.
Use a disposable emaail address such as Hotmail or Yahoo to register with anything online to reduce the amount of spam (and often viruses) coming directly to your computer - and report them as spam if suspicious.
Never click in popup windows that tells you your system is insecure. If it isn't, it may be after you click.
If you do get hit, before you panic, try loading your computer in safe mode (often the F8 key during the boot sequence) and then running virus scanner and/or system restore to a date before you had problems.
Learn how to use your computer before you go out on the Highway.
Mike, Manchester (31/05/2006 at 19:08)
Anyway this is nothing new - variants of this trojan (no M.E.N. it's not a virus) have been around for at least 10 years albeit without the media-friendly tag of "ransomware"
Ian, Rotherham (01/06/2006 at 12:42)
mark, Manchester (01/06/2006 at 13:36)
Viruses (malware) have changed, where is was once the aim of malware writers to distribute viruses en mass for kudos - now it is the aim of criminals to use key loggers and Trojans to target individuals to steal money through logging on-line banking log in's, pay pal details and credit cards, because these are not distributed en mass any more it is becoming harder for antivirus companies to protect against these small but highly damaging threats!
I use Panda Software as this company actively look to protect against targeted financial threats. Panda even protects against unknown malicious code through their advanced behavioural analysis. I would advise a free scan of your system using the ActivScan on line tool.
Hope this helps
M :)
Harry Broom, Hampshire ex Salfordian (01/06/2006 at 13:58)
Alan, Norwich (01/06/2006 at 14:56)
Barry Hotchin, Warrington (01/06/2006 at 21:49)
Ben, Herts (01/06/2006 at 23:15)
David Orchard, New Zealand (02/06/2006 at 07:19)
Delete Cookies, Delete Files and
Clear History
on a regular basis
Mike, Manchester (02/06/2006 at 20:47)
Much like driving a car, if you don't know what you're doing then you should have access to one. It's entirely applicable to PCs.
mary, manchester (04/09/2006 at 17:50)