Help yourself to
protect your personal computer, files and e-mail by using and updating your anti-virus software. This will reduce the risk of a virus or viruses exploiting a vulnerability on your computer.
Viruses can come in different forms like from an e-mail attachment, messaging applications like ICQ, MSN Messenger, etc or just by simply sharing out your files/folders over the network. You could also acquire a virus when downloading files from a website or from a thumb drive someone shares with you. If your computer is not protected, the virus can spread and may do irreversible damage to your computer files or data.
Here are some guidelines to help you protect your computer against viruses:
- Install a reputable anti-virus software for your computer.
- Always keep your anti-virus software updated.
- Always periodically check the Microsoft Security Bulletin for patches and security fixes if you are using Windows operating system.
- Sign up for the Microsoft Security Updates newsletter to receive auto-notification of latest security issues and announcements via e-mail if you are using Windows operating system.
- Perform Windows Update regularly if you are using Windows operating system. Make this a good habit.
(Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update).
- Many viruses rely on weak usernames/passwords to gain administrative rights to a computer. You should create strong passwords - make them longer than eight characters and try to use a combination of numbers and special characters for those administrative accounts on your computer.
- Avoid using names, your birthdays, NRIC, passport numbers, etc. as passwords. A password is a useful security measure only if it's kept secret and hard to crack.
- Disable/remove all guest accounts on your computer, unless you really need them.
- If you need to share folders/files over the network, create strong passwords for those network shares.
- Always scan removable device such as thumb drive for viruses.
- Do not accept any download files through MSN Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, etc. from untrusted contacts.
- Do not download files from untrusted websites.
- Do not open attachment or click on hyperlink in email from unknown sender.
- You may wish to subscribe to our Virus Alerts from CITS mailing list to keep yourself updated on the latest viruses incidents on campus too. This way you'll receive periodic notification by e-mail whenever a new virus-related posting or announcement is available.
