avoiding email viruses
DESCRIPTION
Why forward emails? Why worry about opening attachments? And what is a virus? These questions and more are covered in this short presentation.TRANSCRIPT
Avoiding Email virusesAvoiding Email viruses
What is a virus?
Viruses are, by definition, small infections that replicate inside the cells of a living organism.
Like their predecessors, a computer virus is a program which can replicate itself and then spread from one computer to another.
Sometimes, malware, adware and spyware are called viruses, although they cannot replicate themselves. Instead, they can exploit the security of the computer as well as computers within their network.
Some viruses can harm a computer’s data or performance, but many are harmless.
Why are viruses created?
We all dread the knowledge that our computer may be infected with a virus. But why would anyone go to the trouble and expense of creating one? There are many reasons why a computer virus may be created. Here are some of them…
1. To Control the computer
This enables the creator of the virus to attack web servers by having each infected computer sent information to the server, thus overloading the system, and shutting down the server (which may host a rival website). It can also be used to send spam to infected computers.
2. To generate money
The virus may pretend to offer free spyware or virus removal tools. Once installed, they will “scan” your computer and find all sorts of viruses that they will remove, provided you pay for the full version of the application.
3. To steal your information
They may actually be able to keep track of everything you type on the keyboard, thus providing access to your passwords, account numbers and personal information.
4. Just because they can
Yes, some people would stoop this low to deliver a message, such as a virus which would cause your computer to restart with the message: “billy gates why do you make this possible? Stop making money and fix your software!” (actual virus!)
5. To shut down a computer or network
Although viruses that shut down a computer are not as common as they once were, viruses to shut down a network are very common. Known as a DNS (denial of service), they will cause a excess amount of activity on a network, shutting it down eventually.
Email and viruses
One of the most prevalent ways to spread a virus is by using Email. Although most of us use Email on a daily basis, many of us are naïve of the consequences of a “bad” Email. Let’s look at some of the ways that viruses are spread by Email.
1. A Virus as an Email Hoax
Although not the worse thing that can happen, an email may contain false information (a child needing an organ transplant or a virus warning). This will not infect your computer, but can clog up the email servers of the recipients, making it a waste of time, resources and energy. To read more about email hoaxes, see Hoax-Slayer.
2. In an Email attachment
This is a clear reason why you don’t open attachments if you are not sure who sent them, or if they are authentic. These attachments can contain viruses which run programs, or infect programs on your computer (such as Word or Excel). The harm only occurs if you open the attachment, so if you are unsure, delete the email. Caution: If your contacts have been affected by a virus, they may be sending you a rogue infection without you knowing. In this case, to be safe, save the attachment to your hard drive, and then scan it with your virus scanner.
3. In the body of the Email
It is now possible to place a virus right into the e-mail. In this case, the virus will be automatically triggered when you open the email. This is done by embedding the message into the email. You will usually see a warning asking you to click if you want to see embedded information. Only do this if you are certain of the source. Also, be wary of URLS (links to a web page) which may actually link you to a site where a virus will be downloaded. If you are not certain of the sender, don’t open URLS in your email.
Summary
• Verify the source of any suspicious email before you open it
• Do not blindly forward e-mail• Do not open attachments or links unless you
are certain of the sender• Use caution when authorizing your computer
to display content of trustworthy sources• Make sure that your email program does not
automatically download and open attachments or display HTML content (embedded)
Resources
Click on these links for more information
• Top Ways People Get Infected by an Email Virus
• Why do People Create Computer Viruses?• Top Ten Best Free Anti-Virus Programs• Top Five Current Email Scams You Should Kn
ow About
