These days, most computer users realize they need to be using antivirus software. The trouble is, there is a lot of equipment providing services to these users on the internet. What is being done to protect them from virus infections?
Computer viruses attack servers - web, file, ftp and e-mail, along with routers and other network gear - along with individual PC's.
Most of these servers are really not all that different from the average desktop computer. They probably have more memory, bigger hard drives and faster CPUs but the underlying technology is much the same.
Because they really run the same kind of stuff as a desktop system, they're also vulnerable to attack and need to be protected with similar methods. They need to be running antivirus software and firewalls to avoid being infected.
What else can be done?
These servers can be servicing thousands of users at the same time in some cases so they're a popular target for the virus writers. As a user on these systems, you can help keep them virus-free by making sure your own computer is. And their system administrators can help by limiting what kinds of programs get installed on them.
By keeping your computer protected by antivirus, firewall and other internet security software you help to minimize the target area for the attacks to hit. It can also help to keep your browser and operating system updated with the latest patches, and possibly even run an alternative browser such as Firefox instead of Internet Explorer.
You should also avoid booting from CD's, DVD's or USB memory sticks that haven't been scanned for viruses. If one of the files that was saved on the disk was infected, booting with the disk can cause the virus to spread even faster.
If you use FTP, you should look into switching to a more secure system for file transfers. FTP passwords are sent "in the clear" - there is no encryption on them at all. So when you log into an FTP server, if someone is monitoring your internet traffic, they can easily get your password.
It's up to all of us to make sure these systems remain secure - not just the system administrators. They have a lot of work on their plate and aren't always as quick to respond to security issues as they would like.
Is your computer secure enough? Find out what you need to be doing to keep it safe from viruses, spyware and other online security threats at the Online Security Toolkit website. Visit www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com for more information.
