Viruses
Computer viruses are programs that spread or self-replicate. They usually require interaction from someone to be activated. The virus may arrive in an email message as an attachment or be activated by simply opening a message or visiting a malicious website. Some viruses consume storage space or simply cause unusual screen displays, while others can destroy information.
Follow these best practices:
- Check that your anti-virus software is updated at least every week or set it for automatic updates. New, fast spreading worms and viruses are released every day.
- Before installing or using software from any source, check it for viruses with a current virus scanner.
- Store removable media, such as CDs/thumb drives/diskettes as “write protected” whenever possible to help prevent infection by viruses.
- Do not load free software on your computer from an untrusted source.
- Consider blocking extensions such as: .bat, .cmd, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .zip through content filtering software.
Cyber Security Tips are provided by Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), https://www.msisac.org