Hot topics for both consumers and webmarketers on WebmasterRadio.FM
Every Wednesday, 5PM Eastern.
Q: How can I protect myself from viruses and Trojan horse programs?
Answer(s) to this Question (
1 / 4
)
Computer Viruses
Any unknown file is a potential threat to your information security or data security. Treat any file attachments that might contain executable code as carefully as you would any other new files: save the attachment to disk and then check it with up-to-date internet security software before opening the file.
Computer Security and Trojan Horse Programs
Email security precautions are one of your most important lines of defense. If an executable file shows up unexpectedly attached to an E-mail, you should delete it as a standard computer security measure unless you can positively verify what it is, who it came from, and why it was sent to you.
Computer Viruses
The outbreak of the Melissa virus was a vivid demonstration of the need to be extremely careful about email security when you receive E-mail with attached files or documents. Other than web surfing, careless email security is the easiest way for you to compromise your computer security. Just because an E-mail appears to come from someone you trust, this does NOT mean the file is safe or that the supposed sender had anything to do with it.
Computer Security and Trojan Horse Programs
Trojan horse programs can be spread inside practically anything people find desirable, such as a free game, movie, song, etc. Firewalls and internet filters include Trojan horse blockers. Victims typically download the Trojan horse from a WWW or FTP site or got it via peer-to-peer file exchange or just carelessly opening some email attachment. Trojans usually do their damage silently. The first sign of trouble is often when others tell you that you are attacking them or trying to infect them.
