Virus Detection and Prevention Tips from McAfee
- Do not open any files attached to an email from an
unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
- Do not open any files attached to an email unless you
know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend
or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and
spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that
they really sent it.
- Do not open any files attached to an email if the
subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so
is there always save the file to your hard drive before doing
so.
- Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or
reply to any to them. These types of email are considered spam,
which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
- Do not download any files from strangers.
- Exercise caution when downloading files from the
Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable
one. Verify that an anti-virus program checks the files on the
download site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at
all or download the file to a floppy and test it with your own
anti-virus software.
- Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500
viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be
protected. These updates should be at the least the products
virus signature files. You may also need to update the product's
scanning engine as well.
- Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus
destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your
back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate
location from your work files, one that is preferably not on
your computer.
- When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and
do not open, download, or execute any files or email
attachments. Not executing is the more important of these
caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates which
include those for your operating system web browser, and email.