Is it a Virus OR another Hoax?

You won't believe this but this morning I had another warning about a virus.

I started to open my emails and there, for the second day in three days, was a warning from a friend. Now my friend is well meaning, but doesn't follow any kind of plan or procedure to check what he is blindly forwarding onto all his friends and colleagues. And no doubt causing more than a little despair and confusion in the process.

Given that we are under attack from viruses and hoaxsters practically all of the time a plan or strategy is definitely needed. And it can be very simple - there's no need to go over the top about it!

Do you remember the JDBGMGR.EXE hoax, which persuaded some users to delete an innocent, valid file from their systems. This particular hoax was still heading the list in December, eight months after it first appeared!

So what should he or indeed, any of us, do to ensure we are safe from hoaxes and viruses?

First, don't panic! Don't start deleting files just because the email tells you that you must or your hard drive will melt before your eyes. Look at the content of the message.

Does it tell you to forward the email to all your friends? If so, this is the first indication that you may have a hoax email. No reputable source would ever instruct you to send such an email to everyone you know.

Next - check several of the websites which give details of known hoaxes :-

http://www.symantec.com

http://www.mcafee.com

http://www.sophos.com

In all probability they will have full details of the hoax email on their site. So follow any instructions given e.g. how to replace a file that you have deleted etc.

There are even hoaxes quoted on these sites which are concerned with mobile telephones!

Prevention is better than cure!

Nevertheless surfing on the Internet can be a major problem if you don't employ a reasonable amount of protective software.

Never forget that there are REAL viruses out there!

That's why it's extremely important to always check for the security "patches" issued by the makers of your browser e.g. Microsoft. You should download and install these as soon as they are available.

Hackers, spyware and viruses all combine to make it essential that you have a firewall, a spyware detector and an anti-virus program - all up to date and operating on your system.

1. Safety First - Get Yourself a Firewall Now!

If you don't have a firewall installed and operating on your computer then you are risking an attack by a hacker!

Without a firewall your computer is like an open door.Private and confidential information may become available to hackers with basic computer skills.

Not only could information be stolen but a hacker could leave your computer in a state where they could return and take control of it.

A firewall monitors all incoming traffic and only allows in what you have authorised.

You can even make your computer "invisible" when on the Internet so hackers are not even aware of your presence!

It's one of the few things all "experts" agree with so go to http://www.zonelabs.com and get your FREE firewall now...

2. Keep Those Spyware Cookies Off Your Computer!

Most of the cookies you collect while using the Internet are harmless and just kept on your hard drive in case you return to the same website again.

A new type of cookie is now accessing your computer and sending information about your activities on the Internet back to it's originator. These cookies are known collectively as "Spyware".

So why not get yourself a FREE copy of Lavasoft's Ad-aware which is a spyware removal utility which will scan your PC memory, your registry, and hard drive(s) for known spyware and allow you to remove them.

You can even update the data files so that your protection is always up to date!

For your FREE copy go to : http://www.lavasoft.nu

3. You Have Got Anti-Virus Protection - Haven't You?

I have assumed that everyone now has some type of anti-virus software to protect their computers against virus attack.

You do - don't you?

There have been so many well documented cases of virus attacks, which have caused considerable financial loss both to small and large companies.

If you still haven't got this protection go to a website such as http://www.download.com and search for a free program.There are several programs available - choose one!

You know it makes sense!

With the three types of protection mentioned above you will be able to surf the Internet, content that you have taken all reasonable precautions without being paranoid!