Threat: Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojan Horses, Spyware, etc...)
Malware
comes in many forms and is delivered in a huge variety of ways.
- A Trojan Horse hiding in the word doc that seemed to be sent to you by a friend but had slightly strange wording in the email.
- A virus that was installed on your system by a website when you were surfing for warez.
- A virus emailed to you.
- Spyware installed on your machine during that last visit to an MP3 site
- An unexpected bonus that came in on that software you downloaded online.
- Scores of other ways...
Best Case Scenario
The fairy princess that has been watching over you from infancy, the one that has granted you the charmed life you have undoubtably been leading, does not ever take a holiday or let her attention wonder. She remains vigilant all the days of your life and you surf safely. All attempts to infect your system and cause damage or steal your information are deftly deflected into the ether, never to cause you a moments trouble.
Worst Case Scenario
One day she gets ADD.
Countermeasures
- Install McAfee Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware. It is provided by UC as a free download for faculty, staff, and students. What are you waiting for?
- Set up your anti-virus so that it automatically updates its virus definitions ever day or every few days
- Consider installing a personal firewall to monitor your computer's network traffic and protect your machine for direct hacking
- Avoid dodgy websites
- Never open email attachments unless you know what they are
|
|
|
