Avoiding Email Viruses

We've all heard the horror stories, "My computer has a virus!", but how do you protect yourself from getting one? It is true that computer viruses have changed over the years, contracting a virus years ago meant that your computer crashed and that in the worse case scenario you would never be able to use it again. Thankfully today's viruses aren't quite so brutal but they are after something; personal information which could have just as dire of consequences, it's just more subtle.

Where did it come from & what will it do?
Computer viruses most commonly come through email. You open a legitimate looking email, & innocently click on a link. Then the devastation begins. The virus sets itself up in your computer & canvases all files looking for email addresses. The virus then sends itself to all of your contacts, indiscriminately. The first hack just allows the virus access to your computer & all your files. It sits and waits for further instructions.

Hackers can then rent time on your computer to others or send your computer a piece of code to memorize your key stokes. This ultimately gives hackers access to your usernames and passwords to accounts from Facebook, to personal bank accounts or credit cards. Let me clarify, identity theft = emotional & financial stress, not to mention a whole lot of hassle.

How will I know when I have a virus?
Most people notice they have a virus when they receive a confusing email from someone you haven't emailed in years, ie: the ex. This is because the virus sent your ex itself using your email address & your ex is confused to hear from you too. But much more commonly, you begin to receive bounce-back emails.

How do I combat/prevent a virus?
Your first line of defence is an antivirus software. You know, those little annoying pop-ups that say "XXXX Successfully Updated". Oh yeah, remember those? If you used to see the pop-ups but can't remember the last time you saw them there is a pretty good chance that your antivirus software has expired, leaving you unprotected & vulnerable. Not to worry, just purchase more, & install it. If this doesn't solve your problem you may have to reload your entire computer. Remember after you've fixed your own computer let all your contacts know that you were infected & that they may have the virus too.

Being skeptical about email is the best defense since most infections occur from opening emails or clicking links within an email. Think before you click, it is the sender a trust-worthy source? Is it worth the risk, well is it? you decide! I hope that this gives you some perspective on email viruses, you can also check out Anatomy of an Email Hack by Ki Mae Heussner.