Tips for safer computing
Apart from using anti-virus software, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to help protect yourself and your company against viruses and worms. Here are our top tips for trouble-free computing.
Don’t launch unsolicited programs or documents
If you don’t know that something is virus-free, assume it isn’t. Tell people in your organisation that they should not download unauthorised programs and documents, including screensavers or joke programs, from the internet. Have a policy that all programs must be authorised by an IT manager and virus-checked before they are used.
Aviod documents in .doc and .xls format
Save Word documents as RTF files and Excel spreadsheets as CSV files. These formats don’t support macros, so they can’t spread document viruses. Tell other people to send you RTF and CSV files. Beware, though! Some document viruses disguise the format. To be absolutely safe, use text-only files.
Use software patches to close security loopholes
Watch out for security news and download patches. Such patches often close loopholes that can make you vulnerable to viruses or internet worms. IT managers should subscribe to software vendors’ mailing lists such as that at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.asp. Home users who have Windows computers can visit windowsupdate.microsoft.com, where you can scan your PC for security loopholes and find out which patches to install.
Block files with double extensions at the gateway
Some viruses disguise the fact that they are programs by using a double extension, such as .TXT.VBS, after their filename. At first glance a file like LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.VBS looks like a harmless text file or a graphic. Block any file with double extensions at the email gateway.
Block unwanted file types at the email gateway
Many viruses now use VBS (Visual Basic Script) and Windows scrap object (SHS) file types to spread. It is unlikely that your organisation needs to receive these file types from outside, so block them at the email gateway.
Subscribe to an email alert service
An alert service can warn you about new viruses and offer virus identities that will enable your anti-virus software to detect them.
Have a separate network for internet machines
Maintain separate networks for those computers that are connected to the internet and those that are not. Doing so reduces the risk that users will download infected files and spread viruses on your main network.
Use firewalls and/or routers
A firewall admits only authorised traffic to your organisation. A router controls the flow of packets of information from the internet.
Configure your internet browser for security
Disable ActiveX applets, cookies, etc., or ask to be warned that such code is running. For example, in Microsoft Internet Explorer, select Tools|Internet Options|Security| Custom Level and select the security settings you want.
Make regular backups of all programs and data
If you are infected with a virus, you will be able to restore any lost programs and data.
Change your computer’s bootup sequence
Most computers try to boot from floppy disk (the A: drive) first. IT staff should change the settings so that the computer boots from the hard disk first. Then, even if an infected floppy disk is left in the computer, it cannot be infected by a boot sector virus.
Write-protect floppies / Flash drive before giving to other users
A write-protected floppy or flash drive cannot be infected.
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