How to handle Computer Viruses

If you have already dealt with them or not yet done so…they are here and looking for you and your data! WATCH OUT!

What are they? How to deal with them?

A computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread to other computers. The term is often used to refer to other types of Malware (Malicious Software). Malware, however, is the broader term and includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware and other malicious programs that do not have replication capabilities. Some malware is noticeable by a computer user, some is not - they just reproduce. Malware is not a bug or defect in software, it is specifically programmed to attack and disrupt, gather information or gain access to computer systems. Some may come disguised as useful software. Some may exist only to download other malware. None of this is something you want in your business computers.

Anti virus, anti malware and firewall software are among the tools used to defend against these attacks. Some malware disables the anti malware software. A Firewall is a piece of software and/or hardware that blocks hackers, viruses and worms from gaining access to a computer over the internet.

If and when you notice malware on your computers, get off your network ASAP.

Run your anti virus and/or anti malware software to identify and fix the source if possible.

Check with your IT or software supplier to determine if there are later versions of your anti malware software that may be able to identify the offending software.

If this does not repair the problem, ask the anti malware and IT supplier to work on finding an appropriate fix. They will be motivated to do so as all of their software will be susceptible.

You should shut down, reboot and run the anti malware software again, even after some anti malware software says the problem is fixed.

Don’t forget to change passwords and other login information as yours may have been sent elsewhere. Keep your anti virus, anti malware and firewalls up to date.

Run your anti virus and anti malware software regularly…at least once a week.

 

Steve Koenig, SCORE Counselor

Visit us at: www.scoresouthflorida.net