Exercise 15c

Ex 1.5.3.3 - Know how to protect against viruses

KNOWLEDGE

VIRUSES AND GOOD PRACTICE

It is very important that all computer users are educated in good working practice viz a vie computer viruses. These include: scan floppy discs for viruses if they are brought in from outside the office, when downloading files over the Internet ensure they are scanned for viruses, before opening file attachments scan them for viruses, do not open unrecognised e-mail messages, do not open attachments contained within unrecognised e-mail messages. The Internet can be a dangerous place for the inexperienced user and a virus infection can result in days of unnecessary work to disinfect a hard disc - use scanning software and be aware of the dangers of unsolicited e-mails. The solution is to be vigilant and ensure that you have anti-virus software on your machine. In addition you should update the anti-virus software regularly (this is usually free over the Internet for one year) and run it so that it checks all of the files on your machine for viruses. Examples of virus protection software that you can purchase include: McAfee Anti Virus Software Dr Solomon's Anti Virus Software Norton Anti Virus Software

PROTECT YOURSELF

The UK Governments online advice web site at www.getsafeonline.org lists the following in terms of how to protect yourself when using the Internet: Bank online safely Avoid the risk of identity theft and protect your bank details Shop online safely How to pick trustworthy online retailers and avoid scams Use online auctions safely Avoid scams, buy and sell with confidence Set ground rules for children Talk to your children to help keep them safe online Protect children from online threats When children go online they face new dangers and need more protection Avoid criminal websites Criminals can use the internet too Use strong passwords Your passwords are the keys to your internet life Don't let thieves steal your computer Take care of laptops and PCs

ONLINE PRACTICAL EXERCISE(S)

At the UK Get Safe Online web site at www.getsafeonline.org we recommend that you do the following exercise(s): Create a personal security checklist Take a risk-assessment quiz

FURTHER INFORMATION

To read further information about the topic(s) discussed in this exercise try visiting the following web site(s): www.bbc.co.uk/webwise - Online Course/Safety www.mcafee.com Anti-Virus Software


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