Use and update anti-virus software

Use anti-virus software to prevent viruses from damaging your computer.

A virus is a computer program that can infect a computer causing it to slow down or even crash. Viruses can be transmitted through:

• an email attachment
• by downloading infected programs from websites
• through an infected USB memory stick, floppy disk or CD.

Computer viruses are serious threats. They can:

• slow down your computer;
• corrupt or destroy files;
• delete files; and/or
• automatically forward the virus to other computers without your knowledge.

Fortunately there is effective anti-virus software available that checks for and removes most computer viruses and can protect your computer from being infected by viruses.

What you need to do…

1. Install and activate anti-virus software on your computer.

Most computers bought in the last few years have trial anti-virus software already installed on them. If you don’t have any anti-virus software on your computer then select a vendor listed on the anti-virus section of the Internet Industry Association's security website, download the software and install the software on your computer.

Remember

• Make sure your anti-virus software is always turned on and set to scan incoming and outgoing email.
• When the subscription is due, renew your anti-virus software or replace it with a similar product.

2. Check your computer is not already infected with a virus. If it is infected remove the virus.

To check if your computer is infected with a virus and remove it, run your anti-virus software and follow your instructions. You should run your anti-virus software at least once a week.

3. Activate automatic updates of your security software.

New viruses are circulating on the internet on a regular basis. You need to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date so it can protect your computer from the latest viruses.

Most of the well-known anti-virus software can be set to automatically check the vendor's website for updates to the anti-virus software. It can install updates on the computer immediately or at your nominated time. Activating the automatic update feature will ensure you remain protected.

4. Install anti-spyware software, a firewall and an anti-spam filter. This will ensure that you are protected against viruses, spyware and hackers.

5. Be smart about using the Internet to prevent viruses.
6. • Do not open email attachments if you do not know the sender.
   • Scan email attachments with anti-virus software before opening them.
   • Only download files from reputable Internet sites.
   • Be wary when exchanging files with colleagues or friends.
   • Never click on hyperlinks in emails received from unknown sources.

6. Keep yourself informed about latest security threats.

Subscribe to email notification services that keep you informed about the latest in security problems and solutions. You can sign up for an e-security update service from this website.

Alternatively, your anti-virus software vendor probably has an email alert system. Look for a 'keep informed' tab or section on the main screen of the software, or subscribe to one of the alert services listed on the home page of the Internet Industry Association's security website.