Top 10 Ways to Defend Against Viruses and Worms

To use your computer and the Internet safely, you need to safeguard your files, your identity, and your personal information. Following these 10 basic rules will help you secure the online experience for you and your family.

1.Stay aware of current virus news by checking sites like McAfee® Avert® Alerts.
Be careful exchanging floppy disks and CDs between computers; also, write-
protect your floppy disk or CD. For file compression, use statically compressed
ZIP files instead of self-extracting ones.
2.Protect your computer with strong security software and keep it updated. McAfee Internet Security Suite provides proven PC protection from Trojans, hackers, and spyware. Its integrated anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, anti-spam, anti-phishing, and backup technologies work together to combat today’s advanced multi-faceted attacks. It scans disks, email attachments, files downloaded from the web, and documents generated by word processing and spreadsheet programs.
3.Use a security conscious Internet service provider (ISP) that implements strong anti-spam and anti-phishing procedures. The SpamHaus organization lists the current top-10 worst ISPs in this category—consider this when making your choice.
4.Enable automatic Windows® updates, or download Microsoft® updates regularly, to keep your operating system patched against known vulnerabilities. Install patches from other software manufacturers as soon as they are distributed. A fully patched computer behind a firewall is the best defense against Trojan and spyware installation.
5.Use great caution when opening attachments. Configure your anti-virus software to automatically scan all email and instant message attachments. Make sure your email program doesn’t automatically open attachments or automatically render graphics, and ensure that the preview pane is turned off. This will prevent macros from executing. Refer to your program’s safety options or preferences menu for instructions. Never open unsolicited emails, or attachments that you’re not expecting—even from people you know.
6.Be careful when using P2P file sharing. Trojans sit within file-sharing programs waiting to be downloaded. Use the same precautions when downloading shared files that you do for email and instant messaging. Avoid downloading files with the extensions .exe, .scr, .lnk, .bat, .vbs, .dll, .bin, and .cmd. Anti-virus software and a good firewall will protect your system from malicious files.
7.Use security precautions for your PDA, cell phone, and Wi-Fi devices. Viruses and Trojans arrive as an email/IM attachment, are downloaded from the Internet, or are uploaded along with other data from a desktop. Cell phone viruses are in the beginning stages, but will become more common as more people buy smart phones with advanced email, text messaging, and instant messaging features. Anti-virus software is available for PDAs and cell phones. McAfee also offers trusted security for Wi-Fi.
8.Configure your instant messaging application correctly. Make sure it does not open automatically when you fire up your computer. Turn off your computer and disconnect the DSL or modem line when you’re not using it. Beware of spam-based phishing schemes—don’t click on links in emails or IM.
9.Back up your files regularly and store the backups somewhere besides your PC. If you fall victim to a virus attack, you can recover photos, music, movies, and personal information like tax returns and bank statements, and simultaneously gain total “peace of mind” protection from viruses, spyware, hackers, ID theft, spam, predators, and wireless threats with McAfee Total Protection™.