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?
Virus attacks aren't limited to desktop PC's. The computer servers that operate websites, email and other internet services are also vulnerable.
Servers are usually substantially the same as PC's only with more memory, disk space and processors. Web servers house web pages and programs for Internet users, e-mail servers store, send and receive e-mail, and file and ftp servers make possible storage and distribution of all manner of files for other systems. Routers are simply specialized computers, with proprietary operating systems, for routing network traffic.
Because of that fact, they're often vulnerable to the same viruses and other internet security threats that the average desktop system is. They also need to run antivirus software, firewalls and other forms of protection.
What else can be done?
Because these servers provide internet services to many users (sometimes thousands at a time) they are a popular target for the people who create viruses. As an end user, you can help to keep these systems virus-free by ensuring that your computer stays that way. And the system administrators on those systems can help by limiting the type of software that gets 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.
Article Source: http://www.articlemanual.com
Is your PC secure enough? Find out what you should be doing to keep it safe from spyware, viruses and other internet security threats at the Online Security Toolkit website. Visit www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com for more information.
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