answersLogoWhite

0

How can prevent computer virus?

Updated: 10/3/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Best Answer

The first line of defense against Computer Viruses is to have a good anti-virus program installed on the computer. Make sure you check out the program before buying or downloading it as there are quite a few malware programs out there masquerading as "anti-virus software". You should also have a good host-based firewall active on your computer. Viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and other malware typically spread through one of a few vectors:

1) email attachments - once the user opens the attachment, their computer is infected.

2) infected media (like flash drives, CD's, DVD's, and the good old floppy disks of yore)

3) malicious auto-executing scripts on websites (look up drive-by-downloads for more details). These often are associated with emails that provide a link to the bogus website. These may also take the form of phishing attacks where an email from an apparently legitimate site directs the user to a very legitimate looking but fake website where the attacker installs malware to steal user information like passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc. which can then be used to steal identities and consequently money from the victims.

4) unsolicited connections sent to unprotected computers while they are on-line (this is where firewalls can protect you)

5) scareware - a victim gets a pop-up message telling them that their computer is infected and that they need to download a particular program to clean it up (usually this is actually social engineering to get the victim to install malware on their computer)

6) trojans - free (usually) programs that seem to be useful or a legitimate game that actually install malware on the computer along with the application or game that the user thought they were installing.

I have also borrowed the following advice from another user about dealing with computer viruses:

The following guidelines may give you a fighting chance.

I have divided this page into two sections - a quick guide for those who are experienced, or are short on time, and a more detailed section for anyone wanting more details.

Please do not ignore computer viruses - they can range from nuisance or joke programs to ones that erase the entire hard disk.

Quick Guide:

  1. Keep a regular backup of your important files (on floppy, zip disk, writeable CD, tape, another hard disk, etc.)
  2. Be aware that most current viruses arrive as e-mail attachments. Be very suspicious of any attachment that has any of the following file extensions:

.exe .vbs .scr .vbe .com .bat .shs .cpl .dll .ocx .pif .drv .lnk .bin .sys .eml .nws (do not click on attachment files whose names end with any of the above) These attachments almost always arrive from someone you know (without that person's knowledge), so attachments are not safe just because you know the sender. Note: Opening the mail itself is safe, but clicking on any attachment can spread the virus instantly.

You should update your definition files at LEAST once a week. If your anti-virus program has the capability, you should configure it to download updates automatically every time you connect to the internet. You should also configure your antivirus software to conduct a full scan at least once a week - or launch the scan manually at least once a week. You should also launch a manual scan any time you suspect your computer may have become infected. Note that some viruses hit the web before anti-virus software definitions are updated to detect them so you can still get infected in the time between when the virus comes out and the anti-virus software starts to detect it.

  • What is a Computer Virus: A Computer Virus is simply a computer program with malicious intent. These programs are usually small in size, and the more clever ones hide themselves within other innocent programs (e.g. within NOTEPAD), hence the "virus" in their name. In fact the technical difference between a Computer Virus and a Computer Worm is that the virus inserts itself within some other legitimate program, while the Worm exists as a standalone program. From a user's perspective this distinction is somewhat moot, and a worm or a virus can do equal damage. In fact the word "worm" is used less these days, and virus is often applied to both types of programs.

Viruses are often written by students with time on their hands, though a few are very sophisticated and obviously written by professionals (disgruntled employees, frustrated programmers etc.). While there are over 30,000 known computer viruses, the number of truly original viruses is actually quite limited, as seen by the number of copy-cat viruses that proliferate after any well publicized virus incident. For example, there are apparently several hundred variants of the "ILoveYou" virus out there. Most are just plain copies, or minor variations of the original. More recently, cybercriminals have started to release viruses to steal information or compromise a computer to allow it to be used as part of a botnet to spam thousands of other computers or to carry out denial-of-service attacks against target networks.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

1. Install antivirus software,

2. Don't install unknown/untrusted software or open suspicious looking emails/ email attachments.

3. Run antivirus software scans regularly and update the antivirus software at regular intervals.

4. Be carefu while connecting portable media like USB drives/CDs etc. to your computer (scan them using the antivirus software first).

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

This is how to prevent Computer Virus:

1. Install reliable anti-virus program.

2. Install anti-spyware and anti-malware.

3. Avoid suspicious websites.

4. Never open Email Attachments without scanning them first.

5. Set up automatic Scan.

6. Watch your downloads.

7. Have a regular updates.

8. Know what to look for.

9. Stay away from cracked software.

10. Install a Firewall.

11. Be prepared to Lock Down

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

1) Don't go onto any malicious or suspicious sites.

2) Don't download any suspicious looking programs from suspicious looking sites.

3) Don't open any email attachments from senders you don't know.

4) Have a professional-grade antivirus program installed onto your computer.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

you need to get a program called "the reaper". it is a virus itself, but a good one. it seeks out the "im the creeper, catch me if you can" thing. hope your compys good!

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How can prevent computer virus?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is Trojan startpage virus and how does a computer get it and how do you prevent this sort of virus from attacking a computer?

www.intermute.com


What helps us to prevent from virus in computer?

To prevent virus in computer you can use some antivirus apps and being very careful about clickable links.


How can we prevent computer virus?

Don't download anything!


How can you prevent your computer from becoming a zombie computer?

Use a firewall and a good virus scanner.


Is there a virus that closes your computer and it can never turn on again?

hemmm the virus sven and variants would boot up suddenly BUT the machine can be turned on again. Nothing can physically prevent your computer from turning on, but a virus could corrupt your operating system and prevent your computer from booting up.


How can you prevent a computer virus from attacking your machine?

Any antivirus program can do that.


What is Virus Scanner?

A virus scanner is a antivirus (or anti-virus) software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including computer viruses, worms, and trojan horses...


Is it a virus when my computer shuts down and says windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer?

hardware, or software failure, more than likely not a virus.


What are some ways that you can prevent viruses?

To prevent computer virus, one needs to install an antivirus software. It should be kept up to date as well. Along with that virus enter your computer system through free games downloading sites and open WiFi as well. When you get email from an unknown source, opening the attachment can be dangerous. bradselectronics . com / prevent-a-computer-virus-infection/


What happens to the network when computer gets a virus?

The network is fine, but the computer(s) connected are not, the virus may attempt to hi-jack your internet and prevent you from going to any sites for aid.


How do you prevent computer sabotage?

buy anti virus, norton 360 gold v7 will do the job.....


Abbreviation and definition of virus computer?

definition of a computer virus definition of a computer virus