Get antivirus and firewall protection

Keep your computer healthy and virus-free

You lock your doors at night and your car when you go inside a store. So why would you leave your computer open to an online burglary, hijacking, or vandalism?

Get some protection! Experts say a robust antivirus software program and firewall can thwart most computer hackers from stealing your identity and hijacking or slowing down your computer.

What is a computer virus?

Computer viruses are software programs quietly planted on your computer when you download a program or music from an untrusted website or open an infected e-mail or program. The virus replicates itself and spreads in your computer to perform a malicious task such as mining your confidential data, disrupting your ability to use your computer properly, or relaying passwords and credit card numbers back to a computer hacker and thief.

Employ a two-pronged defense

Computer hackers launch new viruses daily from around the globe, overwhelming the average person’s ability to defend themselves. That’s why your best defense is to do two things every time you go online:

Maintain a healthy skepticism of all unfamiliar websites. Only download programs or music from known, trusted sources.
Install a robust antivirus software and firewall on your computer to detect and eliminate new virus releases. And keep it up to date!

Is spyware different than a virus?

Like a virus, spyware is unwanted software that collects information about you and sends it back to its owner. It often is installed when you surf the web, but typically does not replicate itself. Learn more about spyware.

How antivirus software works

Virus protection software is a gatekeeper against viruses that might damage or hijack your computer. A good antivirus program keeps an updated library of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other malicious software circulating on the Internet. The program should alert you when threats are detected and take steps to delete or quarantine the virus.

How a firewall works

A firewall is the hardware or software that secures your computer files by blocking unauthorized access. There is a firewall built into most newer computers running Windows XP, Vista, or Mac OS X operating systems.

Computer stores offer a variety of name brand antivirus and firewall programs. You can review a list of reputable programs at GetNetWise, a website hosted by the Internet Education Foundation. Visit http://security.getnetwise.org/tools/

In addition, many broadband Internet providers such as Comcast and Qwest provide firewalls and anti-virus protection. Check with your provider to see what’s available.

Update your protection

Your antivirus programs are only as good as your last update. Keep these programs updated frequently (at least once a week) to stay ahead of new viruses and spyware.

As an added precaution, use your antivirus or spyware programs to regularly scan for any infections. If found, delete the infections immediately.

In addition, you should update your operating system at least once a month, installing all critical updates and service packs. PC users should visit www.windowsupdate.com to learn more.

Resources

Links to external websites

Signs your computer is infected

If a virus infects your computer, you may notice these symptoms:

It won't shut down or restart.
It displays pop-up ads when you're not surfing the Internet.
It opens web pages or programs that you did not request.
It sends e-mails you did not write.

What to do if you’re infected

OnGuardOnline, a part of the Federal Trade Commission, recommends the following steps if you suspect your computer has been infected by a virus:

Stop shopping, banking, and other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other sensitive information.
Confirm that your antivirus and firewall programs are active and current.
Once your security software is up to date, run it to scan your computer for viruses and spyware. Delete anything identified as a problem.
If you suspect your computer is still infected, you may want to run a second antivirus or anti-spyware program... or call in professional help.