For those of you who are unfortunate enough to constantly receive viruses from e-mails, here is a couple golden rules that you may find useful in dealing with the unwanted threat.
Rule No. 1: Always keep your mail client up-to-date.
This is especially true for MS Outlook Express and MS Outlook. Often the prime target for most virus creators, the popular MS Outlook and Outlook Express address books is probably the most often exploited to send out these annoying and often disruptive viruses to millions of e-mail users worldwide. This is often done by first infecting the host machine and then using its address book to send out viruses through the addresses listed in that address books. Thus keeping your mail client up-to-date will not only plug any security holes that may be exploited, it also helps by keeping any potentially harmful viruses from infecting others.
Rule No. 2: Always delete mails from unknown sources
As most e-mail virus comes from attachments, it is always wise to delete those attachments that are sent from people that you do not know. Yes, there are viruses that make used of scripts and such in http mails, such viruses will often infect upon opening. So the bottom line is, it would be better for you to delete any mails from unknown sources. Even those that you think may be from your favorite on-line shops. It does pay to be a little more cautious nowadays.
Rule No. 3: Always update your virus definition files
The key to effective virus protection is to
have a Anti-virus program. If you don't have it, get it!
Now having a anti-virus program installed is not the end of your problems. All
anti-virus programs will need to have their virus definition files updated
one-time or the other. What is a 'Virus Definition File' you asked? Well to keep
things short, it is the part of the anti-virus program that tells it how to kill
those annoying virus that you may get. So now you get it? It is like a list of
vaccines that the doctors have to fix you if you get infected by a virus. And
that is why it is important to get your virus definition files updated.
Nowadays, newer programs will often come with 'live updater' or some sort of
automated update process. That will eliminate the need for the user to update
their definition files manually. Be sure to check if your anti-virus program is
configured properly if you have these newer versions. But for those of you who
are still using those older versions, they often require the user to manually
update their definition files. And yes, most anti-virus programs that comes free
with a new PC are those that require a manual update.
Rule No. 4: Always inform the sender if you receive a virus from them
Often viruses infect a user's address book without the user knowing it. So when the virus kicks-in, it starts sending infected mails to all the addresses listed in the host PC. Unless the sender is informed of the infection (in this case only the recipient will know about it), the virus will keep sending infected mails till it is stopped. By informing the sender, it will also eliminate the chances of you receiving those infected mails time and time again especially if your address is in the infected host machine. So do yourself and the infected sender a favor, let him know!
I hope these have been useful in helping you deal with the next virus threat that may come your way. Just remember, it always pay to be that extra bit more careful when dealing with a potentially devastating virus in your e-mail. Follow these golden rules and you will be glad that you did.
Written by
Donovan Tan
Senior Project Engineer