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February 23, 2012

A recent study was done by PC Magazine that found that many web users do not understand the risks of web browsing or how to protect themselves from them. There were five major misconceptions that
they found.

If disconnected from the Internet or my computer is off I am safe from viruses.
If you are connected to the Internet at all then you are at risk. You can download a virus at anytime and not have it activate it till many days later when you check your email offline.

I can protect myself from viruses by not opening email from people I do not know.
What about possible attacks from people that you do know. Just because you may be practicing safe methods does not mean everyone you know is. A friend or a boss my contract a virus that propagates through his address book spreading the virus to you. Some viruses these days can also be contracted through your web browser. Nimda was a good example of this virus that was spread by web browsing. The best way to guard yourself is to have a PC based
antivirus program.

My computer came preloaded with antivirus software, so I am safe.
Wrong. Just because you have the software doesn't mean you are protected. You must first activate the software and set it up to actively scan any incoming traffic to your computer. Secondly your antivirus software is only as good as your last update. New threats appear daily so if you last updated last month your computer is vulnerable for any threats that have been released since then. All antivirus software comes with an auto update option. Turn that on to insure that you will always have the most recent update.

There is nothing important on my computer to steal so no one will attack me.
This statement may have been true in the past but cyber terrorism has changed. Many viruses, worms, and threats now attack with no disregard to who they are attacking. Even if you are not the direct target of the threat your computer may be used as method of spreading the virus, protecting the attackers from
being traced.

My computer runs Linux or I have a Mac so I am safe.
Although it is true the majority of threats are Windows based there have been viruses written for every major type of operating system. Just because you are at a lower risk of contracting a virus does not mean you should be unprotected.

Critical Windows Update

Microsoft released a critical security update. Please make sure you update all of your computers. MS04-007 details a security hole allowing outside intruders to run dangerous scrips on your computer.

Critical Virus Update

If you have not already please update all virus software. The Mydoom worm was released earlier this month if you feel you have been infected please contact us for immediate removal. You may now check up on all current virus threats on our website www.cshsystems.com in the technical section.

CSH Systems Service Packages
If you are not currently enrolled in one of our service packages now is the time to do so. Our service packages include periodic system health checks, virus definition updates, software updates, backups, and comes with service hours. Preventing possible problems early can save your business hours of downtime when things do go wrong. Please contact us today to find a service package that fits your needs.