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Email has revolutionised the way all of us in the corporate world communicate; it has rapidly become an indispensable business communications tool for getting the job done quickly and efficiently. Regardless of this, it is also the largest application used worldwide with so little emphasis on virus protection.

What is a Virus?

A virus is simply a computer program that spreads by copying itself onto other applications. Viruses often, carry instructions to automatically delete or damage data stored on a hard drive and can effectively wipe out a computer's entire 'brain'.

The action of viruses can do one of two things or, more fatally both... infect and attack. The virus spreads itself initially, but can remain dormant for a period of time before it starts to attack. Viruses can be made up of a set of instructions telling the virus what to do to the computer... then it can attack leading to deleted or damaged files.

Virus Detection and Prevention Tips

1. Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
2. Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they really sent it.
3. Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected. If the need to do so is there laways save the file to your hard drive before doing so.
4. Delete chain mails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any of them. These types of email are considered spam, which is unsolicited, intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
5. Do not download files from strangers.
6. Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over 500 viruses are discovered each month, so you'll want to be protected. These updates should be at the least the products virus signature files. You may also need to update the product's scanning engine as well.
7. Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a seperate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.
8. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download or execute any files or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your products vendors for updates which include those for your operating system, web browser and email.

Should you require further information or advice then don't hesitate to contact us - security@yellowarrow.co.uk