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Do you know that 10 to 15 new computer viruses are released every
day? In 1986, there was only one known computer virus. By the end
of 1999, there were about 50,000 types of computer viruses in the
world. This is an alarming situation as we become more reliant on
computer systems and the Internet in our work and daily lives.
Prevention is better than cure and it is important that all users
take positive steps to protect their computers and their work.
What are computer viruses?
A computer virus is a program designed to replicate and spread on
its own, usually without a user's knowledge.
Computer viruses spread by attaching themselves to another program,
such as a word processing or spreadsheet program, or to the boot
sector of a diskette. When an infected file is executed or the computer
is started from an infected disk, the virus itself is executed.
Often, it stays in memory, waiting to infect the next program that
is run or the next disk that is assessed. Many viruses perform trigger
events, for example, they might display a message on a certain date
or delete files after the infected program is run a certain number
of times. While some of these trigger events are benign, others
can be very costly and cause significant damage.
Lately, a new breed of "super-viruses" called Worms can replicate
itself very quickly by copying itself from one computer to another
over a network (e.g. by using e-mail). For example the infamous
VBS.LoveLetter virus can send itself to email addresses in the Microsoft
Outlook address book and spreads itself through emails.
Viruses used to be commonly transmitted via diskettes. However,
with the advent of the Internet, E-mail attachments are the biggest
source of viruses.
Virus hoaxes?
Even as new viruses are discovered each year, there are still some
that only exist in the imagination of the public. These viruses
DO NOT EXIST. Please ignore any messages regarding these supposed
"viruses" and do not pass them on. Passing on such messages only
serves to further propagate them.
What can you do?
While we can have the latest anti-virus technology, you are still
urged to do your part in ensuring that you do not fall prey to unnecessary
virus attacks. Some do's and dont's:
Do
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Scan any diskette that is given to you, whether
from your colleague or client. |
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Purchase and install an anti-virus program
for your home PC |
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Update your home PC's antivirus program regularly
(twice a month) |
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Notify in-house IT support immediately if
you suspect you are hit by viruses |
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Encourage your clients, friends and relatives
to install anti-virus programs and update them frequently |
Don't
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Circulate false virus warning messages, creating
false fears, increasing email space and adding to network traffic.
If you are not sure what to do, consult the IT experts. |
Conclusion
We do not expect computer viruses to be totally eliminated in the
near future (now people are talking about mobile phone viruses!)
Do your part to prevent the spread of computer viruses.
Year published : 2000
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