Imation

When you search a site like Symantec™'s Security Response page, it is hard not to be alarmed. Virus threats appear almost daily at varying levels of threat to you and your computing safety. We don't even have to look that far back to remember the 'MSBlast' virus which in just 24 hours infected more then 120,000 computers worldwide! If you haven't yet done it yet, learn how to safeguard your computer and your files. In most cases, simple prevention will help you prepare for and recover from virus attacks. Here are our top tips:

1. Backup your information on a regular basis - pick a schedule that your lifestyle can support and make it a daily or weekly habit. You should back up your documents, emails, music, photo, and video files, as well as any applications for which you lack installation discs.

2. Backup your information on permanent, removable data storage media, such as CDs, DVDs, or even diskettes and store them in a cool, dry place. In some cases, you may want to store in a safe location away from your computer in case of other natural disasters.

3. Update your computer anti-virus software - many new computers come supplied with basic virus protection software. Updating your versions frequently ensure you are protected against emerging threats.

4. Don't disable your anti-virus software unless it's necessary for installation or removal of a program (some installation programs can look like a virus). If you do disable virus protection, re-enable it before connecting to the Internet, or reading a floppy diskette or a CD.

5. Make sure your anti-virus software is configured to run a complete scan of your system at least once a month. Use an anti-virus package that supports regular, automated updates to include known viruses.

6. Know your email programs. Make sure that you recognize how attachments are presented in an email and how to delete unwanted email messages without opening them. Viruses frequently spread by clicking open the attachment.

7. Don't open e-mail attachments from people you don't know and be wary of unexpected or unusual emails from known parties.

8. Educate yourself regularly on Internet viruses. Visit anti-virus software Web sites like those listed below to research current virus threats or sign up for email alerts or updates from anti-virus software companies. The more you know, the less likely you are to be a victim of a virus.

F-Secure®
McAfee®
Symantec's Security Response
Trend Micro™
Viruslist.com