This Active Life March 2002: Computers

Safeguard Your Computer

If you've ever been tempted to open an enticing E-mail and attachment from a stranger, don't. That stranger may be a hacker with a scheme in mind, attacking your computer and those of your friends and contacts.

These days, computer hackers are targeting not only large defense companies or government agencies, but also the average home computer user. Why? Because home computers aren't the same machines they were ten, five, even two years ago. Computers are far more powerful and often connected directly to the Internet through high-speed DSL and cable lines that remain open all the time--an enticing target for the malicious computer hacker.

Moreover, the hackers aren't content to destroy your data; now they can embed programs that spy on users, steal your identity, or use your E-mail list to infect the computers of your friends and family. Last year, the antivirus firm Message Labs found one virus per 370 E-mails--double the rate they detected in previous years. The viruses had catchy names like Nimda, Joke, Love, Code Red, even Anna Kournikova.

What's a user to do? Treat your computer as you would your house, your car, your locker: lock it up. Routinely update your computer with antivirus and Internet firewall software against the latest threats. From Norton antivirus to McAffee antivirus software, programs can sweep your computer clean and keep it that way, if you use them regularly.

If you like to surf the Web or spend hours on the computer, check out any virus alerts as well.

And beware of smaller Web sites unfamiliar to you. Very often, checking out those Web sites will leave you unprotected and prey to the hacker. Don't let them take you for a ride.

ShortTakes

Virus Hoaxs
Not all viruses are real. If you'd like to find out if a virus is a legitimate threat to your computer, check out a computer hoax site. One helpful site, created by Symantec Inc., is located at: www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html.

Web Sources
The AntiVirus Hotline at www.antivirus.com/vinfo will give you the latest information on computer viruses and offer assistance in cleaning up your site. Do you think you've detected a virus and need a confirmation? Try out the Virus Information Library, a feature of the McAffee Web site at www.vil.mcaffee.com. Checking it out now may save you some grief and lost files later.