1. Just because I have anti-virus software (e.g.,
McAfee, Virex, Norton), my computer is safe."
-X>
False.Using anti-virus software is a two-step
process. You may have installed it, but many
people do not keep the virus signatures updated.
Anti-virus software MUST be updated frequently
(on at least a weekly basis), and even then
since new viruses come out every day, your computer
may not be safe. You must be very cautious opening
ANY attachments to emails or new files. Also,
unless you have set your anti-virus software
up correctly, it may not even be providing any
protection.
2. "Computer
viruses only come from people I don't know."
-X> False. Virus
creators have gotten much smarter over the years
and now can send you viruses that look like
they are coming from a friend or family member,
when in reality they have no idea that the email
with a virus was even sent! Do NOT
open email attachments even from the people
you know unless you are expecting a file from
them.
3. "Computer viruses are only spread
by email attachments."
-X>
False. The recent Nimda, MyParty, and Blaster
viruses showed us that viruses can be spread
even by visiting a web page that is stored on
a virus-infected server or by not patching your
computer when new operating system fixes are
available. Always keep running anti-virus software
running in the background.
4. "If
the attachment didn't open, I didn't get the
virus."
-X> False. Most
virus attachments to email act as if they do
nothing -- maybe just flash a quick black screen,
and stop. Just clicking on that attachment infected
your computer with the virus!
5. "I'm too smart to get a virus
on my computer."
-X>
False. Even the smartest computer
geeks have infected their own machines with
viruses from time to time. If it looks suspicious
-- check it out. Be cautious, and realize that
the people creating computer viruses are quite
smart as well.
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