Why does it take media hysteria to get people aware of their computer security issues? I even got an email from my mom about it, so I know it's penetrated the consciousness of the general public.
Fortunately, the same old practices that have done well by computer users in the past will keep this worm from doing any harm. You know, like not opening unexpected attachments from known or unknown senders. Keeping antivirus programs updated. And backing up important files.
The real threats these days, in my opinion, come from malicious code on web sites that upload Trojan Horses onto our machines through broadband connections. Twice in the last month or so, we've had to get Trojans off our new computer here at home. The first one was really hard to eradicate, as it had slipped on two days before any of the antivirus firms distributed definitions for it. Antivirus programs do a great job keeping things off, but can have trouble getting things off that have worked their way on. If you ever find yourself in that situation, check out Castle Cops. But be prepared to do some real work.
Peace,
Tor
Categories: computers, internet
Technorati tags: antivirus, Kama Sutra
