The Need for Anti-Virus Software

The Need for Anti-Virus Software

With the increasing Internet usage of Australian users, it’s important to keep in perspective the threat and potential damage of viruses. Whether you download data, retrieve email or open a file on a disk from a friend; you are at risk.

The Latest Viruses

Viruses such as “Goner”, “Badtrans” and “Nimda” have all gotten their fair share of media attention lately. These (and other viruses) however can be stopped by a recent Anti-virus Software, with the latest Virus Definitions. Briefly, here’s a list of the trouble they cause:

Name	Description
Goner	This virus installs a file under the guise that it’s a new screensaver (known as “gone.scr”). Upon viewing this file, the virus will proceed to send itself to everybody on your Outlook email contact lists. It will also attempt to delete vital files in your Antivirus and Firewall programs. More Information
Badtrans	This virus will log keystrokes using another type of virus known as a “Trojan”. It will re-distribute itself via MAPI-enabled programs (Outlook, Netscape Messenger, etc). The virus will only log keystrokes via a pre-programmed routine, this includes windows passwords, online banking screens, etc. More Information
Nimda	This virus will email a copy of itself to anyone in a MAPI-enabled program (Outlook, Netscape Messenger, etc). It will copy over vital files in your Windows Installation, will cause system slowdown, and will open your C drive as an open share, enabling anyone with the know-how to view the contents of your drive. Attacks unpatched IIS servers. More Information

Virus Definitions

Virus Definitions are downloads released by the Anti-Virus Software manufacturers to update their products to provide you with the best protection possible. For example, the Badtrans virus was released around November 24, 2001. If your copy of your Anti-Virus program was manufactured before this date, you would not have protection against this new virus.

Fortunately, all major Anti-Virus Software manufacturers have update procedures that can painlessly update your software. Refer to your program documentation for further information on how to use the inbuilt updating feature.

Alternatively, you may wish instead to download the Virus Definition updates directly from the main web sites. Below is a list of direct links for the major software packages.

Protection from Viruses

Installing Anti-Virus software, and performing updates of Virus Definition on a regular basis (every week is a good method), you can be sure your computer is protected from the latest nasties that might exist in the world.

If you would like further information on viruses, how to combat them, which software package is right for you, or if you’re faced with an infected system that needs repair, please Contact us on (02) 9870 7777.

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It's becoming more important to protect your computer from Viruses than ever before.

As Viruses become smarter, keeping your Anti-virus software up-to-date with the latest definitions is important.

If you have an out-of-date virus scanner, please update the software.

For more information, give us a call on (02) 9870 7777.