2008 Woodie Awards
Network rule: 'Protect before you connect'
Exposed computers are vulnerable to viruses and spyware
Jose Alvarez
Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: News
When a student brings a computer to campus, they must be aware that they will connect to a huge local area network (LAN). Therefore, the chances of a virus attack are more likely because thousands of computers are connected and each has its own problems with faulty software.
The "Protect Before You Connect" page on Saint Mary's SMCNet, states the usual common sense rules of staying safe on the Internet still apply: do not open an e-mail with an attachment from someone you do not know, keep your operating system up-to-date, download anti-virus and anti-spyware programs for insurance. Also, make sure your passwords to your email, GaelXpress, and SMCnet are difficult for others to find out.
Installing programs is the first step to keeping your computer free of hackers. The page also mentions the necessity of a multiple layer defense program in order to "reduce the vulnerability of the system to the multiple attacks that occur every day." The speed and effectiveness of a computer depends on how responsibly everyone acts. The help page encourages students to follow the measures listed on their site.
Danilo De Leon '09, a veteran computer enthusiast, also gives the following advice: "There are very good consumer buys (McAfee and Symantec) and several viable free options (AVG, Nod32, Panda)."
Prevention is the best way but anti-viruses do allow you to clean out corrupted or infected files. Also, update your anti-virus software often, since virus and malware change code constantly. It is important to be aware that hundreds, possibly thousands of computer viruses and malicious code is generated daily, and that the constant updating of your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs is not only recommended, but also necessary.
De Leon also mentions that if a student does not take these steps, "Malware and viruses usually render your computer to become laggy/slow or cause normal operation to be hindered or rendered completely impossible. It might also delete or corrupt sensitive files and information, making the end user responsible for reinstalling or restoring the lost data." That lost data could be an iTunes folder, or some computer game, but also a Seminar paper. It becomes extremely relevant to back up all files to provide insurance against a malicious computer attack.
The SMCNet article mentions that when students install some programs they must be sure that the product is not a "fake" anti-spyware. Some fake programs may result in more spyware on one's computer.
Students can visit SpywareWarrior.com "for in-depth information on rogue products and legitimate spyware removal tools."
The "Protect Before You Connect" page on Saint Mary's SMCNet, states the usual common sense rules of staying safe on the Internet still apply: do not open an e-mail with an attachment from someone you do not know, keep your operating system up-to-date, download anti-virus and anti-spyware programs for insurance. Also, make sure your passwords to your email, GaelXpress, and SMCnet are difficult for others to find out.
Installing programs is the first step to keeping your computer free of hackers. The page also mentions the necessity of a multiple layer defense program in order to "reduce the vulnerability of the system to the multiple attacks that occur every day." The speed and effectiveness of a computer depends on how responsibly everyone acts. The help page encourages students to follow the measures listed on their site.
Danilo De Leon '09, a veteran computer enthusiast, also gives the following advice: "There are very good consumer buys (McAfee and Symantec) and several viable free options (AVG, Nod32, Panda)."
Prevention is the best way but anti-viruses do allow you to clean out corrupted or infected files. Also, update your anti-virus software often, since virus and malware change code constantly. It is important to be aware that hundreds, possibly thousands of computer viruses and malicious code is generated daily, and that the constant updating of your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs is not only recommended, but also necessary.
De Leon also mentions that if a student does not take these steps, "Malware and viruses usually render your computer to become laggy/slow or cause normal operation to be hindered or rendered completely impossible. It might also delete or corrupt sensitive files and information, making the end user responsible for reinstalling or restoring the lost data." That lost data could be an iTunes folder, or some computer game, but also a Seminar paper. It becomes extremely relevant to back up all files to provide insurance against a malicious computer attack.
The SMCNet article mentions that when students install some programs they must be sure that the product is not a "fake" anti-spyware. Some fake programs may result in more spyware on one's computer.
Students can visit SpywareWarrior.com "for in-depth information on rogue products and legitimate spyware removal tools."