Beware of the computer virus

THE EDITOR: There are many very intelligent discussions about viruses and worms etc that “attack” computer systems. Unfortunately, many of these discussions do not adequately address the “down to earth” prevention/hazards that are caused by such events.

Most computer systems in use today operate using a Microsoft based operating system. There are several other “brands” of operating systems, UNIX, LINUX, MAC OS X etc that are not susceptible to many of the virus/worm attacks that target Microsoft operating systems. There are destructive viruses/worms and many that are merely nuisances. Most of the viruses/worms today exploit “holes” in operating systems that render them vulnerable. It is analogous to having your house perfectly “burglar proofed” with the exception of one side door that is left ajar. So what does the average computer user do? The first necessity is the use of a suitable “anti-virus” software package, which is regularly updated (daily). Let me emphasise that once you install the anti-virus software, you must keep it updated. Next, you must do all operating system updates; sometimes you can set them to do so automatically, or sometimes manually.

If like most computer users, you connect occasionally to the Internet, it is important that you do these updates as a matter of course, just before you check your e-mail. For those users who do not use the Internet, you can get a friend to download updates on a CDR for you and run them on your computer. Bear in mind that all viruses/worms enter your computer from “outside” media or connections, namely the Internet, diskettes and CDs. Anything that is opened or run on your computer needs to be scanned and checked for viruses/worms. When a computer system is affected by a virus/worm, there is no telling what will happen depending on the actual threat and how many users share your computer. A disk taken from your office to work on at home, going back and forth, may compromise both your home and office systems. The corruption of data that may be impossible to recreate or restore. The value of damage can be very high. Indeed, many organisations are so ashamed or embarrassed that their systems have been attacked, that they will never report or admit that their systems are not secure.

PRADEEP LATCHMAN
IT Consultant