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Email Encryption
Email Protection
Email Security
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HOW TO KEEP COMPUTER TROJAN FREE
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Install reliable anti-virus (AV) and anti-trojan (AT) software.
Anti-virus and anti-trojans software prove to be very helpful in defending your computer against malicious code. It's the most important step you can take towards keeping your computer clean of trojans. An unused anti-virus and anti-trojan programs are obviously useless, so scan your system regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the software's database of known viruses and trojans, suspicious e-mail attachments, and for other warning signs.
Get immediate protection.
If you are not very knowledgeable about computers and viruses, you may benefit from using the memory resident scanner. Configure your anti-virus and anti-trojans software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment, or decide not to. And in case you forget to boot up your anti-virus and anti-trojans software, configuring it to start by itself will ensure you get immediate protection anyway.
Update your anti-virus and anti-trojans software frequently.
An anti-virus and anti-trojans programs can only protect you from what they know about. Since new viruses appear every day, it's very important for you to update your anti-virus and anti-trojan programs regularly.
Keep your operating system and programs patched.
It's strongly advised to apply all security-related patches for your software as they become available. You can use the Windows Update and Office Update sites to keep your system up-to-date. Note that they work with Internet Explorer only. You may have to lower your Internet security settings in order for them to function correctly. Don't forget to set your security preferences to a higher level again when you are done.
Be cautious when receiving e-mail with attachments.
Be sure to scan all incoming e-mail attachments you plan to open through the anti-virus and anti-trojan check. Do this even if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly source.
Be sure your e-mail program doesn't automatically download attachments. This will ensure that you can examine and scan attachments before they run.
Never open e-mail attachments from someone you don't know.
Never open e-mail attachments forwarded to you even if they're from someone you know.
Never open unsolicited or unexpected e-mail attachments until you've confirmed the sender actually meant to send them.
Never pay attention to virus warnings or even forward them unless you are subscribed to a serious virus newsletter.
Never double click on these files while in Explorer or in your e-mail client until they have been tested. There may be a hidden file extension or CLSID (class ID extension). Such attachments should first be saved to some test or download folder and tested by invoking their associated application and then using the "Open" function of that application. (for example, sound files like as MP3 and WAV can be tested by invoking your player, TXT files should also be opened by first invoking Notepad)
Don't download programs from the Web.
Unreliable sources such as mail addresses that you haven't heard of may be willing providers of trojans for your computer. Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program - any files with an ".exe" or ".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe." Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus and trojan checks on everything in the folder before using it.
Choose file formats.
If possible, avoid using DOCs in mail correspondence. Instead, use pure Rich Text Format for your documents because it doesn't support the macro language. Tell the people whom you know a little to send you RTF or CSV (Comma-Separated Variable) files rather than DOC or XLS.
Look at file extensions.
Configure Windows so that it displays all file extensions, including those of known file types. Pay attention to files with multiple extensions. Generally, the last extension is the relevant one. For example, a file named
hello.mp3.exe
is an executable program (.exe) and not an MP3 file!
Note, however, that if you are using Outlook Express and see a file with three extensions, Outlook Express may consider the second extension to be relevant, so that a file named
hello.mp3.exe.jpg
is an executable program (.exe) and neither an MP3 file nor a JPG file!
That's why it's important to follow the procedure for opening unknown files. You can't go wrong by simply ignoring any file with more than one extension.
Consider using alternative email software.
Microsoft's popular Outlook Express program has been known to be somewhat "buggy" and is often targeted by malicious "programmers". You may benefit from using alternative software.
Note that security holes may be discovered in these programs as well (though, probably, less frequently), so it's still a good idea to check for updates regularly.
Use common sense.
You should never, ever do the following:
Never select the option on web browsers for storing or retaining user name and password from you web mail.
Never disclose personal, financial, or credit card information via mail.
Never use a computer or a device that cannot be fully trusted to work with your correspondence.
Never use public or Internet cafe computers to send or receive important e-mail.
Tips for Keeping Your Computer Trojan-Free
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Question of the Day
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