as written by Betha Aris (IT System Specialist) and Matthew Arciniega (General Manager), Technology Services Division

Network Security has been a big concern this past month. We’d like to ask all staff for help by providing a few tips on avoiding attacks by viruses, trojans, worms, and spyware…

Web Browsers (Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox)

1. Some websites have advertisements telling you that your computer could be transmitting vital/private information about you, which could be targeted by hackers and viruses. They will tell you to download security software from their website. This is usually a trick! Ignore these messages and ask your IT staff if in doubt.
2. Download files only from trusted sources or websites. Most spyware, viruses and malware are hidden in seemingly innocent files. Once you've downloaded them or clicked on them on your PC, you'll activate them, essentially giving them permission to infect your system!

E-mail clients (Outlook)

1. Don't open an attached file if you do not know what it is, who sent it to you, or if you were not expecting it—even if it appears to be from somebody that you know! This is especially true if the file has any of the following extensions: .pif, .vbs, .scr, .exe. Your IT staff can usually help you identify very quickly if the attachment is dangerous.
2. When in doubt, contact the sender. Write back to them and ask what the attachment is. If the attachment is valid, they will tell you what it is and what it does. Hackers are able to forge email addresses so that a message appears to be from somebody that you know!

What to do when you suspect that your computer is infected

1. Do not panic. If the antivirus system gives you a warning, it is generally a good thing; it means that the intruder was stopped! However, you now need to make sure that your PC is completely clean.
2. Check that your virus protection is up-to-date. The Symantec Antivirus used at PG has been configured to get updates automatically, but you should learn how to check to make sure that the updates are current.
3. Scan all your disks for viruses. Learn how to scan for viruses. It’s very easy. Contact your IT staff if you would like to learn more.
4. Do not type sensitive passwords in websites until you are certain that your PC is clean. The passwords can sometimes be ‘snooped’ by spyware on your computer. Be safe, rather than sorry!

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