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What Can You Do To Help Stop The Spread Of Viruses?
These days, most computer users realize they need to be using antivirus software. The trouble is, there is a lot of equipment providing services to these users on the internet. What is being done to protect them from virus infections?
These days, most computer users realize they need to be using antivirus software. The trouble is, there is a lot of equipment providing services to these users on the internet. What is being done to protect them from virus infections?
Virus attacks aren’t limited to desktop PC’s. The computer servers that operate websites, email and other internet services are also vulnerable.
Most of these servers are really not all that different from the average desktop computer. They probably have more memory, bigger hard drives and faster CPUs but the underlying technology is much the same.
Because they really run the same kind of stuff as a desktop system, they’re also vulnerable to attack and need to be protected with similar methods. They need to be running antivirus software and firewalls to avoid being infected.
What Other Options Are There?
These servers can be servicing thousands of users at the same time in some cases so they’re a popular target for the virus writers. As a user on these systems, you can help keep them virus-free by making sure your own computer is. And their system administrators can help by limiting what kinds of programs get installed on them.
Users can help administrators and themselves by being more careful in browser selection and configuration. Most could profit from better self-education in how to minimize the ‘target area’ for hackers by changing browser settings. Users and computer professionals have made strides in voicing concern over security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Adopting other browsers in greater numbers will help to get the message across.
You should also avoid booting from CD’s, DVD’s or USB memory sticks that haven’t been scanned for viruses. If one of the files that was saved on the disk was infected, booting with the disk can cause the virus to spread even faster.
Finally, if you use FTP for transferring files, you need to consider switching to a more secure alternative. FTP sends all passwords unencrypted so if someone is able to intercept your internet connection, they can easily get your password.
Users need to take responsibility for making sure a network is secure - not just the system administrators. System admins have many tasks on their plate and they’re not always able to respond to security risks as quickly as they should.