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Do not open any files attached to
an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
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Do not open any files attached to
an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come
from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can
replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe
than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
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Do not open any files attached to
an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If
the need to do so is there always save the file to your hard
drive before doing so.
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Delete chain emails and junk
email. Do not forward or reply to any to them. These types of
email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail
that clogs up the network.
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If unwanted e-mail has an option to
'unsubscribe' and it is not from a major organization that you
recognize, do not click the link. In most cases, this will
only verify to the spammer that your e-mail address is good. As a
result, you'll get even more spam.
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Do not download any files from
strangers.
Exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet.
Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify
that an anti-virus program checks the files on the download
site. If you're uncertain, don't download the file at all or
download the file to a floppy and test it with your own
anti-virus software.
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When browsing the web, do not accept
offers for free applications such as games, computer 'fix-up'
utilities, weather tracking programs, etc. Most of these when
executed will install spyware and/or Malware onto your computer. If
it's free, be suspicious.
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Update your anti-virus software
regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll
want to be protected. These updates should be at the least the
products virus signature files. You may also need to update the
product's scanning engine as well.
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Make sure you have antispyware software
installed and it's working correctly and is up to date.
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Back up your files on a regular
basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace
them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy
in a separate location from your work files, one that is
preferably not on your computer.
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When in doubt, always err on the
side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files
or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of
these caveats.
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Check with your product vendors
for updates which include those for your operating system web
browser, and email. One example is the security site section of
Microsoft located at http://www.microsoft.com/security
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If you are in doubt about any potential
virus-related situation you find yourself in, contact our support team
by emailing
or calling
978.921.0990
800.924.8167
solutions@microdata.com
