Virus Protection
FIRST AND FOREMOST: BACK UP YOUR CRITICAL DATA! External hard drives are dirt CHEAP!
Virus Prevention
1 ) Always use a firewall (which comes standard on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7) to block hackers and malicious software. Routers offer a second line of defense firewall. How do you know if Windows firewall is on?
START > Control Panel > Security Center > Manage settings for: Windows firewall > General tab > ON
2 ) Keep the Windows operating system current because Microsoft is constantly making fixes to protect from hackers and viruses. If your machine has all of the latest updates then Internet Explorer 8 would have been included. I have personally tested Internet Explorer 7 and it is extremely vulnerable to being "hijacked". Only use Internet Explorer 8 or Firefox.
(Windows XP) My Computer > right click "properties" > "Automatic Updates" tab > Automatic [recommended]
(note: Windows 2000 does not offer automatic updates. For Windows 2000 visit update.microsoft.com and manually download and install updates OR from the Internet Explorer browser click Tools tab > Windows Update)
3 ) Install and run real-time antivirus software and keep it current (not expired).
Constantly look to download the latest antivirus definitions if the software doesn't do this automatically. Run a FULL scan of your computer as often as you can (hopefully once a month or more). Keep in mind that a virus may get onto your computer BEFORE a fix is written, then it's up to you to scan your computer to get it off soon before it invites more viruses onto your computer or does more damage!
Real-Time anti-virus software protects your computer AS you surf the internet, and AS you download emails. You don't need to PAY for anti-virus software to fight "malware". There is trusted freeware that will keep your computer protected real-time. PCR recommends using Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Security Essentials - This FREE real-time anti-virus software was released in late 2009. It doesn't have to be "registered" and no pop-ups will try to sell you a "subscription renewal".
Avast is another popular alternative that is FREE, although DO NOT EVER be tricked into paying for this software, even after their 1-year "trial".
Caution: Do NOT run more than one real-time anti-virus software program at the same time, as this can cause both programs to "fight" with each other. For example if you still have an old expired version of McAfee or Norton anti-virus running on your computer then you would uninstall it and then run Security Essentials. Note: it's OK to run additional NON real-time software programs on your computer, such as Malwarebytes' free version.
Warning: No antivirus software is guaranteed to be 100% perfect. Most antivirus software is about 90% to 97% effective at identifying viruses. This is why it is important to do MORE than just use antivirus software. You need to know what to look out for. Follow the steps listed below.
4 ) Beware of peer to peer programs like LimeWire, uTorrent, Bittorrent, Morpheus, etc. which are major vehicles for transmitting malware.
5 ) Beware of emails that lure you into opening an attached executable file or link to an executable file. Executable files have the .exe or .js or .jse or .vbe or .vbs or .wsf file extension. Example: "Blaster.exe"
For example you may click a link that says "Remove Me" thinking that you will be removed from the email spam list. However, clicking the link may spread a virus or worm or install adware on your computer.
Beware of links to sites that appear legitimate such as a link to a familiar site such as "www.Microsoft.com" when in fact clicking the link executes a script that is embedded in the email message.
How do you know where a link leads to without clicking it? Hold the mouse arrow over the link (without clicking it) to view the true destination of the link. For example I can post a link on a web page that says www.microsoft.com that in actuality goes to a completely different page (it's OK to click the link). The same thing is possible with emailed links. In this second example (using Mozilla Thunderbird) the true location of a link that I have merely held my mouse over (without clicking) is displayed in the bottom left hand corner...
Don't be fooled: An attached file sent via email may be disguised with a file name of "CutePicture.jpg". In reality such a file may NOT be a jpg image file at all, but rather a virus titled "CutePicture.jpg.exe". The only way to actually see the .exe file extension is to set your Windows "folder options" so that script file extensions are displayed by default...
My Computer > Tools tab > Folder Options > View > uncheck "hide extensions for known file types"
Then beware of files with the .exe or .js or .jse or .vbe or .vbs or .wsf file extension. In particular beware of .exe files. These are "executable" files that run programs that could launch viruses.
IMPORTANT TIP: Set your computer to display "file extensions". This will help you identify executable files so that you don't accidentally install a virus on your computer. Examples of "file extensions" are highlighted in purple: mypicture.jpg webpage.html evilvirusprogram.exe
START > Control Panel > Folder Options > "View" tab > "Advanced settings" > check the "show hidden files folders and drives" radio button
6 ) Setting Internet Explorer for optimum security
Pop-Up Blocker - You may or may not wish to block annoying pop-up windows. Just beware that when the pop-up blocker is turned on, it may prevent you from downloading or viewing something, so be prepared to turn pop up blockers on and off as needed if you choose to use it.
To control pop ups using Internet Explorer 6 or later:
"Tools" tab > Pop-up Blocker > then turn on or off.
To control pop ups using Mozilla FireFox:
"Tools" tab > Options > "Content" tab > check or uncheck "block pop up windows"
7 ) What email program to use?
The MicroSoft Outlook and Outlook Express email programs are more vulnerable to viruses (simply because authors of viruses target MicroSoft mail programs because they are more widely used). Qualcomm Eudora and Mozilla Thunderbird are less vulnerable email programs simply because they are less used, and therefore they are less attractive targets of hackers who release viruses.
8 ) What Internet browser to use?
The Mozilla Firefox browser is considered by some to be less vulnerable to viruses simply because more hackers are busy writing code to attack Internet Explorer.
As a side note: if your hard drive ever crashes, Firefox's stored passwords are easily recoverable and can be migrated to your new computer. Internet Explorer passwords are encrypted and you must have previously exported a "key", otherwise your Internet passwords will be lost in the event of a permanent hard drive crash.
The downside of Firefox: Beware that some websites don't work well with Firefox. For example if you try to register an account to "join" some websites, you may never get a confirmation email. Simply re-register using Internet Explorer.
9 ) Consider using a restricted Windows user log on account while surfing the Internet.
This can help to keep certain viruses off your computer, as viruses may require administrator level privileges to install themselves and do their damage. For most people this may be just too much of a hassle and too constricting, but this might be a really great idea for when kids surf the Internet.
START > Control Panel > User accounts > Create a new account > [then give the user the least amount of privileges]
10 ) Don't save your credit card number online.
Many reputable sites give you the option to save credit card numbers online to make future purchases easier. However, if the company's database is ever successfully hacked, your information could be exposed. Just re-enter your numbers with each transaction.
11 ) Use Ctrl + Alt + Delete to close out pop-up windows that won't close and/or to exit website that "can't be exited". Clicking the "X" to close out the window will trigger a virus to download. ...
I recommend physically unplugging your Ethernet cable from your computer, then simultaneously pressing the keys Ctrl, Alt, and Delete, then click "end task" (your browser - in this case it's FireFox)...
Beware of a new breed of phishing sites that sell DIRT CHEAP downloadable software
I've seen some new sites popping up with ridiculously low prices on software that is downloaded. The vast majority of the software sold at these sites is not even supposed to be available for download ANYWHERE! Two of them I've identified have the .ws (Western Samoa) domain extension and are actually hosted in places like Moscow and Latvia. Sometimes they try to trick you into thinking that they are based in the US by having mention of a customer service team that is open during Mountain time zone hours or other US time. One of the tell tale signs that these sites are fraudulent is the grammatical errors and just plain bizarre language seen in their "terms and conditions", "FAQ", and "privacy" pages. Example: "We'll take no responsibility for any your action."
These sites may actually provide you with actual software to download, however the software is pirated and illegal. Don't be lured by the low prices. They will fraudulently charge your credit card later in time when you least expect it.
Beware if you are prompted to install a Flash Player, Flash plug-in, or other software in order to play a video on ANY website
This is especially true if you can already watch videos on YouTube without any problem. The newest way that the bad guys get you to install viruses on your computer is to trick you into thinking that a video won't play because you don't have the proper Flash Player or Flash plug-in installed on your computer. This can happen when visiting even ordinary sites such as Facebook, or sites that mimic familiar sites -- check the URL to verify if the site is really what it appears to be...
example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRXgpR2lzo4 is really hosted by YouTube
example: http://youtube.2468975.com is not YouTube
Installing what appears to be an "update" may instead install a virus on your computer. It may have a legitimate looking file name such as "Flash_Plug_In" or something to that effect. Once you click to install it, your computer becomes infected with a virus.
This image from an actual infected website looks like a QuickTime or Flash movie, but actually it's just a picture with a link to an .exe file that contains a virus...
If you click the play button, you are asked if if you want to supposedly install some "video plugin". Be very suspicious if you are able to play videos on YouTube without any problem. Also "ezonlinedata" is not a familiar name like Macromedia (Flash), Apple (Quick Time), Windows Media Player, or VLC Media Player. If you click the "Run" button, a virus will install on your computer...
When in doubt go to the REAL site for updates
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Beware if you are prompted to install a Java update
When in doubt choose not to install the Java update, then INSTEAD navigate to your control panel (START > Control Panel), select Java (switch to "classic view" if you don't see a Java icon), then click the "update" tab, and manually check for updates.
Since 8/12/2010