Staying Safe
One of the biggest things you can do toward keeping your computer safe from viruses and spyware is to develop some safe internet browsing habits. This page lists off some of the most important things you can do. These are just recommedations, not requirements.
Use Mozilla Firefox
The majority of spyware and some viruses spread through vulnerabilites found in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. While Internet Explorer is a great web browser, it is a big target for malicious people since a large percentage of people use it. On the other hand, Firefox doesn't have these kinds of problems. It could be that Firefox is on the same level security wise with Internet Explorer, it's just that Firefox has not been targeted to such an extreme level. It is recommended to use Firefox because of the fact that you will be less likely to be attacked. You can get Firefox here.
Keep Your Computer Updated
Keeping you computer up to date cannot be stressed enough. It is extremely important. This is discussed in great detail on the Weekly Updating page of this site.
No Peer-to-Peer
Not only is peer-to-peer software a source of viruses, these days it is also a source of trouble from the RIAA. Peer-to-peer software should not be used on campus and steps have been taken to prevent its use on UTC's network. Peer-to-peer software includes but is not limited to:
- Kazaa
- Morpheus
- LimeWire
- BitTorrent
Search Bars
A lot of companies have come out with internet search bars that will install into the web browser. Almost all of these are spyware. There are only a select few that are legitimate and do not install spyware into your computer so it is best to stay away from these.
Email Attachments
Before opening any email attachments, be sure you know the source. It is not enough that the mail originated from an address you recognize. A lot of email viruses spread by looking in the infected computer's address book and then mailing itself to all of the addresses it finds. For example, the Melissa virus spread precisely because it originated from a familiar address. Malicious programs might be distributed in amusing or enticing emails.
If you must open an attachment before you can verify the source, it is recommended to follow this procedure:
- Be sure your virus definitions are up to date
- Save the file to your computer
- Scan the file using your antivirus software
- If the file turns up clean, then open the file
Use Common Sense
You've probably heard the saying that something is "just too good to be true". Well, that saying not only applies to things in everyday life, but also to all kinds of things that you will find on the internet. A lot of ads on websites will lead you to things that give you viruses or spyware and sometimes those ads will even lead you to phishing sites. Phishing is where a site looks like a legitmate site of a well known company when really is was just made to look like it. They will try to get information from you that you should not be giving out. Many people have become victim to these types of sites.