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Why It's Vital to Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Up-To-Date
- Your best defense against computer viruses is to install the latest version of VirusScan for the PC or Virex for the Macintosh (or another comparable product) and update VirusScan or update Virex on a regular basis. VirusScan must be updated at least weekly (daily automated updates are recommended) and Virex must be updated shortly after the beginning of each month. Default installations of VirusScan 8 are configured to automatically check and download updates daily a few minutes after bootup. Virex 6.1 needs to be configured to auto update using the Schedule Editor. Virex 7.7 has an auto update function. When a new computer virus comes out Network Associates releases a new virus definition file (DAT) that includes the ability to identify the newer virus. VirusScan and Virex use this definition file to identify the viruses. If you do not keep your virus definitions up to date, your anti-virus program will be unable to detect and clean newer viruses. Most newer anti-virus programs have a scheduler that can be set to automatically check, download and install virus definitions updates at preconfigured times via the Internet. If you have a constant connection to the Internet (e.g. you are on the campus network or have a DSL or cable connection) we strongly recommend that you configure your anti-virus program to check for updates every time you start your computer. If you have an intermittent Internet connection (ie. use a modem to dial in to the Internet or your DSL/Cable modem is not always connected) manually check for updates at least once a week using the appropriate instructions for VirusScan 7, VirusScan 4.5.1, Virex 7.7 and Virex 6.1. It is imperative that your anti-virus software is enabled and configured properly. If your anti-virus software is installed but not configured properly it may not be checking for certain types of viruses or may not be scanning your email attachments for viruses. When installing VirusScan it is very important to follow the instructions to configure the anti-virus program properly and to configure the scheduler properly for automated updates.
The large majority of Viruses cannot be spread simply by reading email. However, a large majority of viruses can be transmitted as email attachments. A person receiving an email with a virus attached would need to download the mail to their disk, decode it, and run the infected program or document (normally double-clicking on an attachment will execute the program or document and release the virus). You should check all file attachments for viruses before running or opening them. On PC systems you should look at the three letter extension of filename to determine the type of file received as an attachment before opening the file. Files that end in .exe and .vbs can be especially damaging to your system and we strongly recommend against opening (double-clicking) these files.
- The MS Blaster worm/virus exploits security holes in Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000 machines by coming in through open ports. We recommend keeping your Windows system updated by running Windows Update daily to install all critical updates. The Windows Update feature can be configured to automatically check, download and install updates at a specified time each day. We recommend automated updates if you have a constant connection to the Internet (ie. ethernet connection, DSL, cable modem, ISDN).
Is it a Virus or a Hoax?
- If you receive e-mail urging you to e-mail all your friends about a new virus, please DON'T! We have never seen a legitimate warning that includes a request to forward the mail to other people. Check Network Associate's Virus Hoax Site, Symantec's Virus Hoax site, Trend Micro's Hoax Site, VMyths, Hoax Info, Urban Legends Reference Pages, and/or Urban Legend's and Folklore site to verify that the e-mail is not a hoax before sending or forwarding the e-mail message to anyone. Many E-mail warnings about viruses are effectively chain letters and do not refer to a true virus. Some examples of these are the SULFNBK Windows File Hoax, A Virtual Card for You, Good Times, Irina, and NaughtyRobot. You can research information about a particular virus at Network Associates' searchable Virus Information Library or Symantec's searchable Virus Encyclopedia. Network Associates' free Stand Alone Tools includes virus removal for recent viruses that cannot be fixed by VirusScan.
- Network Associates' also provide important virus alerts regarding recent computer virus outbreaks.
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Last Modified: 9 Feb 2006
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