Avoiding Viruses with Safe PC Use
How to Surf Safely and not Catch a PC Virus, Trojan, or Malware
Sep 16, 2008
Viruses and Trojans are two of the easiest pieces of malware to catch when surfing. However, following a few simple guidelines can help prevent catastrophe. The risks are quite severe, and well documented - from system failure, to personal data loss, and even sharing bank account details without the users knowledge.
Everybody knows the risks, but enough people ignore simple surfing safety that the creators of malware (anything that is suspicious software) find a profit in doing it. Don't be a victim, and don't line their pockets!
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Surfing
The following is a list of mistakes to avoid when surfing, which present an opportunity to contract a PC virus. Before the actual list, there is one email related point to note : never allow the email package to provide a 'preview', unless a whitelist is being used to direct any mail from unknown senders to a special folder. That special folder should also be set not to allow previews of emails.
The reason is simple : a preview opens the email, something to be avoided as it could contain executable HTML scripts! On with the list:
- Never open an email from an unknown sender, except through a webmail account;
- Never download attachments that contain executable files (i.e. text files are fine, as are archives, anything else isn't);
- Always scan archives (and downloads) with a virus checker before opening them;
- Never click on a link that doesn't match the source;
- Always use pop-up surpression.
These last two might need some explanation. Sometimes a URL is presented where the text that the user sees on the screen (say, paypal.com) does not match the actual destination of the URL. This is usually presented in the lower left of the browser application window (also called the status bar) when the cursor is hovering over the URL. If the two do not match, then it may be suspect.
Finally, when surfing, always use the pop-up surpression offered by the browser, or a third party add-on. Another browser related point to add should also be that most toolbars are virus-free, but that the user should always be careful with installing them for reasons of privacy.
The Best Free Antivirus Packages
An antivirus package is a must-have, but the reader could be forgiven for thinking that there is some profiteering going on. This is not the case, but for those who find it absurd to have to pay every year for an anti-virus 'subscription', here are some free alternatives:
- Google - part of the Google Pack;
- Microsoft - the Malware Software Removal Tool;
- Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic.
It cannot be stressed enough - even while taking the precautions above, without an anti-virus package of some kind, a PC remains open to attack. The best approach would be to take each on its own merits, and apply all three to a system.
General Safe Surfing Guidelines
For those lucky enough to have a broadband internet connection with WiFi, it pays to make sure that the WiFi router/modem is correctly set up. For example, the highest security should be used, with a long passphrase containing upper and lowercase characters, as well as special characters and numbers. Generally speaking, it will only be used once, as the various computers that connect to the WiFi router will store the passphrase automatically.
Those machines also need to be secured by password, but this one should be easy to remember, and changed frequently. Using the first letter of the users favorite book, and author, or television show, coupled with some numbers (that change), and a special character, is a good place to start. Keeping everything but the numbers the same makes it easier to remember
It's mainly just a case of staying alert, and knowing what the risks are. Avoidance is half the battle!
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