The following explains what to do if the performance of your computer has been
seriously affected by what you think might be a computer virus. Important note
This course of action assumes you have already installed antivirus software on
your computer and that you are familiar with the terms and procedures pertaining
to antivirus software. If this is not the case, refer to the other subtopics in
the Virus Protection series.
Definitions
Quarantine: placing infected files in folders on the hard drive that are not easily accessible;
this protects against further infection
Virus Definitions: files used by antivirus software to detect viruses
Understanding Updates
Antivirus software updates and virus definition updates are not the same thing
and they must be attended to separately.
Software updates:
- are newer versions of antivirus programs.
- occur on a semi-regular basis.
Virus definition updates:
- allow antivirus programs to recognize new viruses.
- are developed sporadically, with the release of new viruses.
Some software programs will download one or both of these updates automatically,
but you first need to perform an initial set-up to activate this function. Inquire
about program features from specific software developers.
- If you don't receive automatic software updates, download the latest update from
your software developer's website.
- If you don't receive automatic virus definition updates, locate and download
the latest virus definitions from your software developer's website.
- Check your e-mail folders for any messages with suspicious attachments. Do not
open attachments! Delete immediately.
- Run antivirus software to check all hard drive (HD) files. Refer to technical
support resources provided by your antivirus software developer for specific instructions.
- Was a virus detected?
NO: If viruses are not detected, but you know something is wrong with your computer,
your antivirus software may not be accurately reading the virus. The other possibility
is that your computer may have a technical problem that is not virus related.
In either case, seek the services of an experienced computer technician. Discontinue
use of your computer until it has been serviced to prevent further threat to your
data. Do not continue to Step 6.
YES: If there is an option to clean the infected files, do so. Otherwise quarantine
the infected files as prompted by antivirus software. Continue to Step 6.
- Run antivirus software to check all non-commercial disks and recordable CDs for
possible virus infection.
Spread the word
If you believe the virus was spread by e-mail, contact the people in your e-mail
address book and advise them to delete messages from you that have attachments.
If practical, contact them by some means other than e-mail.
Inform your computer technician that you experienced a virus attack so that s/he
can assess the other computers in your organization. You will also want assistance
from your technician if you have infected files in quarantine. |
