Virus Protection

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How to Vaccinate Your Windows Computer

Microsoft issues Critical Updates to patch discovered vulnerabilities in Windows. Relying on the knowledge that many computer users fail to install software patches on their machines, hackers create worms and viruses to take advantage of these vulnerabilities.

The following procedures will help protect your computer. All computer users should implement all of these steps.

• Configure your computer to automatically download and install all critical operating system patches from Microsoft. To date, no one has created a major 'hack' for which Microsoft has not already issued a patch.
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date and make sure it is configured to monitor your routine activity.
• Enable the Windows Firewall program. Some prefer to purchase and install an alternate firewall program.

For instructions on completing these three steps, visit Welcome to Windows Update.

Three Steps to Computer Wellness

Step 1. Download Critical Updates (Patches)

Just running an anti-virus program is not good enough. Your computer can easily become re-infected unless you have installed the latest Microsoft operating system Critical Updates. Download the Critical Updates (patches) directly from the Microsoft web site.

Visit the Microsoft Windows Updates web site.

Click on the, "Scan for updates" link. Microsoft Windows Update will then scan your operating system and recommend critical updates. You'll then see a screen like the one below:

Click on the "Review and install updates" link. Next, you'll see a screen like the one below listing the necessary updates.


Click the "Install Now" button.

In new computers both updates and Windows Firewall are usually enabled by default.  If not, be proactive! Configure your computer for automatic updates from Microsoft. To turn on Automatic Updates in Windows, go to Start, Control Panel, Security Center, Automatic Updates and choose automatic with a time to do the updates. In Windows 7 the program is at Start, Control Panel, Windows Updates.  You may want to schedule the Automatic Updates for morning or whenever you start to use your computer.

To enable your firewall go to Start, Control Panel, Security Center, Windows Firewall, turn on in XP andStart, Control Panel, Windows Firewall in Windows 7.

If you have Norton Internet Security, then you already have a firewall that is installed. Make sure that the firewall is turned on. Turn off notifications of outside attacks in the Norton Internet Security. A firewall makes your computer appear invisible to other computers on a network.

Step 2. Make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date and that it will update itself.

Visit the web site of your anti-virus program vendor and download the latest updates to the virus definitions if your anti-virus program does not do so automatically.

Anti-virus software programs include weekly update downloads so that they can detect and clean the newest most recent virus editions. Make sure that your anti-virus software is configured to update virus definitions at least weekly and preferably daily. New viruses and worms appear frequently.

For McAfee go to: http://home.mcafee.com/Store/Downloads.aspx

For Symantec's Norton Antivirus go to: http://www.symantec.com/downloads/

For Trend Micro go to: http://www.trendmicro.com

Next, check your computer for any virus infections by running the anti-virus software program. Run the program at least twice - it often requires two scans to clean the computer. Anti-virus programs usually allow the user to work while they operate in the background.

Based on over a decade of experience with both McAfee and helping students with their computers, we highly recommend McAfee's enterprise version anti-virus. Download it free, if you're a Hastings student, staff, or faculty.

Please Note: If your computer is infected with a virus, please DO NOT use the computer while the wireless card is active or plugged into a network jack on campus. Contact IT for assistance.

Step 3. Firewalls & Spy-ware/Ad-ware Detection Programs

Firewalls

In addition to installing anti-virus software, a firewall is an excellent means of preventing infection from malicious worms, and "Trojan horse" programs that relentlessly prowl the Internet. A firewall is a software program that monitors incoming and outgoing data and analyses it for dangerous programs that attempt to hack into your computer. However, it allows the user to identify repeat programs for which access should be allowed such as secure-site log-on cookies, etc.

Windows XP includes a built-in firewall program, however, it must be enabled by the user. Norton, McAfee and Zone Labs produce excellent firewall products for those of you whose computers run an older version of Windows. A firewall is especially important if you access the Internet with a cable modem, DSL, or any wireless network.

Spy-ware & Ad-ware Detection Programs

More about Spyware and Adware (PDF) If you visit P2P file sharing web sites such as Kazaa, click on any pop-up windows, or download "free" software when visiting other sites, it is quite possible that you have downloaded a "spyware" or "ad-ware" program. Spyware programs search for private information such as credit card numbers, email addresses, and street addresses, in order to steal sensitive information and invade your privacy.

Ad-ware programs, primarily for advertising purposes, will load links in your "Favorites" folder; change banners on web sites; replace your directory search results with advertising links among other actions without your knowledge or permission. There is a way to detect and remove these programs as well.

SpyBot  and AdAware are standard programs for detecting and removing spy-ware and ad-ware programs. Visit their web site and download their free version. Be sure to scan your computer regularly for spy-ware and ad-ware, especially if you download free software from sites such as Kazaa, iMesh, or Grokster. These sites are known to bundle spy-ware/ad-ware with their free programs.

Some Final Words About Viruses

You should be aware that:

• Viruses and other destructive programs spread through e-mail attachments as well web sites.
• It is potentially dangerous to open an e-mail attachment from an unknown or unexpected sender.
• It is safer to save an e-mail attachment to a flash drive, scan the disk with your anti-virus program, then - and only then - open the attachment.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing programs, IRCs, and instant messaging programs are commonly used to spread viruses. Sometimes legitimate web sites can be a vector for worms and viruses.

The very best protection is BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP!

Finally, if your computer is infected, it is not difficult to clean it by following the steps above. For help, see the computer help page.