This is not a comprehensive guide to computer security, but a short checklist of things you can do every week or so to avoid most security hazards.
Update your
operating system and applications
Security holes in software are often discovered, so the software developer usually distributes fixes/patches/updates
that address these issues. Virus and spyware scanning software also prompts you to update their definitions to detect more recent threats.
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Scan for Viruses
UCLA provides Sophos Anti-Virus for free (www.bol.ucla.edu/software/sophos)
and we install it on the computers we issue, so I’ll assume that’s what you’re
using.
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Scan for Spyware
UCLA provides Webroot Spy Sweeper for free (www.bol.ucla.edu/software/spysweeper).
Windows users should periodically scan for spyware…
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Get a Second Opinion
No virus/spyware (aka malware) scanner detects all threats. To improve your chances of detecting and removing threats, or if you don’t have a virus/spyware scanner installed, try an online malware detection/removal utility.
- Trend Micro Housecall (Windows)
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
If you encounter anything puzzling or suspicious, contact me as usual.