2. Install and use protective software
Print this pageUse protective software such as anti-virus and anti-spyware software, or a combination of both, to check for and remove any viruses, worms, Trojans or spyware installed on your computer.
A virus can be transmitted through email attachment, by downloading infected programs from websites, or through an infected floppy disk or CD. Some viruses have been programmed to remain dormant for extended periods.
What you can do
The best way to prevent viruses, worms and trojans from infecting your computer is to:
- ensure that you install a firewall (see tip 3)
- ensure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer
- ensure that all security patches for operating systems and application software on your network are up-to-date
- use caution when working with files from unknown or questionable sources
- not open email attachments if you do not recognise the sender
- ensure you scan attachments with anti-virus software before opening them
- only download files from reputable Internet sites, and be wary when exchanging files with friends
- never click on hyperlinks in emails received from unknown sources
Further information
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has produced a detailed information brochure about how to identify, remove and prevent spyware. This is available at www.dcita.gov.au/spyware
Detailed information on spyware and other e-security threats is available on the security website developed by the Internet Industry Association at www.security.iia.net.auWhat is a spyware?
Spyware is software that is installed on a computing device and takes information from it without the consent or knowledge of the user and gives that information to a third party.
Spyware is an intelligence gathering tool. It is used to spy on people and collect information about tehm. People who install spyware may be targeting information such as banking and credit card details or other sensitive, commercial or private information.
Spyware often uses trickery to encourage people to install it. These techniques range from fake alert messages to buttons that say ‘cancel’ when they really activate the installation.
Often your computer will not show any signs of spyware. Signs to look out for which may indicate spyware has been installed include random error messages, your computer seems to have a mind of its own, or new toolbars or icons have been installed.
There are a number of ways to detect, remove and prevent spyware and many technical solutions are available. You should adopt the following practices.
Install anti-spyware software and update it regularly
Exercise caution when downloading software. Always read the fine print and set secrutiy settings to high.
More information on spyware can be found in the brochure Taking care of spyware, which can be downloaded from www.dcita.gov.au/spyware.
What is a worm?
A worm is a computer program that replicates itself and spreads form machine to machine across the Internet. Like viruses and Trojans, worms are a form of malicious code which may perform some harmful function in the process on infected machines. Worms often spread by exploiting software vulnerabilities in operating systems and applications software.
What is a trojan?
A trojan secretly carries often-damaging software in the guise of an innocuous email attachment. The file attachment name itself is normally misleading to entice you to open it. When the attachment is opened the program can do all sorts of things, from erasing files to changing your desktop, or installing a keystroke logger that can monitor every letter you type.
What is malicious code?
Malicious code is software designed to damage the user's data, steal information or compromise the ability to use the computer. It is often hidden as a trojan.
- Document ID: 17233 |
- Last modified: 6 February 2008, 10:10am