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Funding the Cure for Computer Viruses - Take steps to safeguard your business
Can you imagine where your business would be without computers? For most business people, advanced technology has become a necessity rather than a luxury. But that puts a small business at even greater risk. That is why protection against computer viruses or similar "bugs" has become more critical than ever.
Although the exact terminology may differ among experts, the word "virus" is generally used to describe software that may be attached to other software or documents you might receive. When you run the software or the file the virus has infected, the virus infects your computer system. In effect, the virus spreads from one computer to another inside the workplace.
Here are several common problems your business may encounter.
*Your computer system may automatically send out
e-mails containing more copies of the virus by using your address book.
*If the virus is a macro virus (e.g., attached to a document), it may attach itself to any document you create or modify. If an employee sends out another document to a client or associate, the virus tags along.
*A virus may be disguised as another program that secretly infects your system. If you pass the program along, you will be transmitting the virus manually to others.
*A "Trojan horse" is related to a virus, but it does not attempt to replicate itself. Instead, this program performs some undesirable actions while pretending to do something else. Example: A fake login program might collect account information and passwords by asking for this information like a regular login program.
The most practical deterrent is to install antivirus software on all computers. In fact, you should consider the cost of such software as part and parcel of the cost of buying a computer. Once the antivirus software has been installed, make sure you download regular updates. These "alert" the software about new viruses and provide means to detect them.
Generally, an antivirus software package provides updates for at least one year. You can usually set the software to automatically download updates or display a reminder to do so.
Antivirus software allows you to scan memory and hard drives for viruses. Depending on the software package, the program may also protect against incoming e-mails and e-mail attachments with viruses; viruses received through instant messages (IMs); infected downloaded files; and outside attacks against your system (e.g., firewall software). Other steps may be taken to protect your system against viruses, worms and the like. For example, assume that all suspicious-looking messages are a hoax until you know better. Subscribe to a security mailing list or visit security sites to learn more about prevalent worms and viruses.
Be vigilant in deterring computer viruses. Remember that the stakes for your business are enormous.
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