The Surprisingly Simple Ways A Computer Virus Spreads Online

THE SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE WAYS A COMPUTER VIRUS SPREADS ONLINE Over 16 million households report having had serious computer virus problems over the past two years. Knowing what to watch for while online can go a long way toward keeping hackers and various harmful versus from ruining your computer (or worse). Here are a few of the simple traps that often lead to an infected hard drive. A NOT HAVING ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE Easily one of the most baffling and avoidable mistakes of all is running your computer without virus protection. A computer without virus protection is like a car without seatbelts. A FAILING TO INSTALL CRITICAL UPDATES Another common mistake many people make is neglecting to install important updates. Keep- ing your system updated can be as simple as changing a few settings and never having to think about it again. Do it right now if you haven't already. *e Install Updates Install critical updates? NOW LATER OPENING EMAIL ATTACHMENTS It's hard to believe, but people still fall for this classic trick on a daily basis. Never open an email attachment from a name or address you don't recognize. CLICKING A STRANGE DIALOG BOX WITHOUT READING IT FIRST *e Install Updates Never click the 'ok' button on a dialog box without reading it. If an Internet ad says your computer is infected or that you need a plugin, get out of there and don't click anything; it's a trap. Install this plugin? OK A DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE ILLEGALLY Crooks love to hide malicious software in pirated software, music, and movie files. When downloading media files, use trusted websites and software. Ask yourself, 'would I give my credit card information to this website?' BE WARY OF USB DRIVES Take care when downloading files from USB drives, especially ones given to you by people you don't know and trust. Your USB port is a great way to allow a hacker to access your computer without even having to be online. DON'T TURN OFF CRUCIAL SAFETY FEATURES The various email programs of the world block images found in your incoming messages for a good reason. Don't let the inconve- nience of clicking the "download pictures" button compel you to turn that feature off permanently; you will regret it, eventually. SOURCES: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/cho01045.htm http://sdbroadband.org/en/general/240-how-to-avoid-getting-a-computer-virus-or-worm-on-your-windows-pc http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-ways-people-infected-email-virus-case-wondering/ http://www.statisticbrain.com/computer-virus-statistics/ -------------.