How can you protect yourself?

Use and maintain anti-virus software - Anti-virus software recognizes and protects your computer against most known viruses, so you may be able to detect and remove the virus before it can do any damage (see Understanding Anti-Virus Software for more information). Because attackers are continually writing new viruses, it is important to keep your definitions up to date.

Use caution with email attachments - Do not open email attachments that you were not expecting, especially if they are from people you do not know. If you decide to open an email attachment, scan it for viruses first (see Using Caution with Email Attachments for more information). Not only is it possible for attackers to "spoof" the source of an email message, your legitimate contacts may unknowingly send you an infected file.

Be wary of downloadable files on web sites - Avoid downloading files from sites that you do not trust. If you are getting the files from a supposedly secure site, look for a web site certificate (see Understanding Web Site Certificates for more information). If you do download a file from a web site, consider saving it to your desktop and manually scanning it for viruses before opening it.

Keep software up to date - Install software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities (see Understanding Patches for more information). Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.

Take advantage of security settings - Check the security settings of your email client and your web browser (see Evaluating Your Web Browser's Security Settings for more information). Apply the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need. In email clients, turn off the option to automatically download attachments.
Related information
Securing Your Web Browser
Recovering from Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

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Author: Mindi McDowell

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Produced 2006 by US-CERT, a government organization.