How to Find and Stop Email Viruses

In the ever-changing online world, it seems as though there is a new email virus hoax starting every day. You click on a seemingly harmless forwarded email from a trusted friend, only to find that your computer suddenly is overwhelmed by a virus or worm. Files are popping up that you have never seen before, the files you want are crashing, and suddenly your computer is no longer useable. If this has ever happened to you, you have probably wondered just how to stop email virus programs from spreading. This effort will take the help of many people, but people are the best email anti-virus. Here are some tips we can all take to stop the next email virus hoax from spreading even further.

Step 1 – Keep Your Anti-Virus Program Updated

The first line of defense in protecting your computer is having an updated anti-virus program. Do not assume that the anti-virus program your computer came with is updated. Many computers come preloaded with a free trial of a popular anti-virus program, but if you do not purchase the program after the free trial period, your computer is not protected. Also, make sure that your anti-virus program offers free email virus protection as part of its package. The best programs will monitor both POP3 emails and the emails you download from web-based email programs, like Yahoo! or Netscape.

Next, make sure that your anti-virus program updates itself on a regular basis. This will ensure that it has the most up-to-date email virus list, thus giving you the best possible protection for your computer. Finally, make sure that the program’s “scan email” function is enabled.

Step 2 - Keep Your Operating System Updated

The next thing you can do to keep an email virus hoax from spreading is to keep your operating system updated. Windows, in particular, is prone to needing patches on a regular basis. Whenever security updates are available, download them and then restart your computer. Keep your Internet browser up to date as well, as the newer versions often come with free email virus protection.

Step 3 – View All Email Attachments as Possible Viruses

The most common way for an email virus to get onto your computer is through an email attachment. For this reason, view all attachments that you receive with caution. Your anti-virus program may automatically scan attachments, and this can help, but you still need to use caution.

If you receive an email with an attachment from someone you have never heard of, do not open it. This is a prime candidate for a virus. If you are unsure of the origin of the email and think it may be important, confirm it before opening the attachment.

Step 4 – Disable Email Client Scripts

Many emails contain scripts, or computer program codes, that can harbor viruses. To protect yourself and those in your address book, change your security settings in your POP3 email program do disable scripts in your emails. Also, avoid sending emails that contain scripts. Scripts are commonly found in programs like JavaScript or ActiveX.

Step 5 – Learn to Ignore Suspicious Emails

One way that the makers of viruses try to propagate their latest email virus hoax is by creating an email that makes the reader panic and think that something is seriously wrong. For instance, the email may appear to be from your bank or credit card company claiming that there is a problem with your account. All you need to do to fix the problem is download the attached instructions. Of course, you are scared about this problem, so you download the document, and suddenly you have a virus. This is also a tactic used by identity thieves. Either way, you must swallow your panic and ignore the email. If you are concerned, go to the supposed source, such as your bank’s website, and verify whether or not there is a problem. In most cases there will be none.

Step 6 – Stop Sending Emails if You Suspect a Problem

If you suspect that your computer may be infected by a virus, stop sending emails until you have dealt with the problem. Remember, viruses must spread on a host, and an outgoing email is a perfect host. Shut down your email program until you have removed the virus from your computer. Remember, human beings are the best email anti-virus, so take steps now to protect your friends and family from your infection.

Computer viruses being spread by email are not a new thing, but because a new email virus hoax is being created on a regular basis, we must be vigilant to keep them from spreading. There are many options out there for free email virus protection, and many excellent anti-virus programs exist to help you battle this problem. We must learn how to stop email virus programs so that the Internet can be a safe place for everyone.