Viruses can spread quickly over a network, so your best defense is to install antivirus software on each computer on your network. Vendors such as McAfee (www. mcafee .com) and Symantec (www. symantec .com) offer inexpensive (less than $40) antivirus software that can help keep your computers free of viruses. Of course, you can do your part to keep your network clean of viruses:
Update your definition list often, your software's list of viruses that are currently in circulation. Active viruses are sometimes said to be "in the wild." Most antivirus software has automatic updating features that will connect over the Internet and download a current definition list (Figure 12.8). Make sure to use these features and get a new definition list often. Updating your list every 12 weeks will likely be sufficient. Figure 12.8. Use your antivirus software's features for updating definition lists of viruses that are in the wild.
If you find that a computer on your network is infected with a virus, check the Symantec and McAfee web sites for a downloadable software fix. The klez worm in particular is dangerous, because it has been widely distributed and can spread itself over a network. Shut down your Internet connection by turning off your modem, and get to work cleaning up your computers. Common sense is your best defense. If everyone on your network knows to be careful with attachments, you should be looking good. |