Welcome to the Security Steps Anti-Virus page. This page provides essential information about Viruses, Worms and Trojans and how you can get protection.

What is a virus?

A virus is a malicious piece of code, made to replicate. A virus replicates by attaching itself to other programs (infecting). Virus is a general word that people use for Viruses, Worms and Trojans although each one is quite different than the other. Worms and Viruses are the two that get mixed up most frequently. Worms and Viruses are very similar, the only difference is that worms can self replicate at rapid speeds. Both Worms and Viruses cause negative effects to your system. Trojans on the otherhand do not attempt to infect other files or self replicate, they come hidden in other programs that appear harmless. The trojan may not activate immediately but when it does it can cause havoc on your computer. Trojans can delete files, destroy information and open a backdoor to your computer which gives hackers or other viruses/trojans a back way into your computer. A Backdoor is just like a constantly open way into your computer. Its just like a house with an unlocked door at the back. Theres always a way in.

How do viruses get to my computer?

The most common way that viruses spread is email. Viruses can also spread Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Windows and other software, via P2P file sharing networks such as Kazaa, via Instant Messaging programs such as MSN Messenger, via websites and some other means.

How do I avoid viruses?

There are many basic things you can do to stop virus infections. Since the majority of viruses spread via email, the golden rule is to never open attachments from unknown senders. Even attachments from known senders can be infected if the sender has a virus that mails itself to other people, so check with the sender to make sure that they intended to send you an attachment. You can also avoid Viruses that spread via Windows Vulnerabilities by visiting Windows Update every month or so and downloading all critical updates and service packs. This will apply a patch to your computer to fix the vulnerability. You can also be infected with viruses by clicking links in emails, so think before you click links in any emails.

Following all of the advice above still doesn’t keep you fully protected, in fact your quite far from it. In addition to following the advice above you should use an Antivirus program. An Antivirus program detects and removes viruses from your computer. They constantly scan your system quietly in the background and should scan your email for viruses. Some antivirus programs have a lot more advanced virus fighting features and some even detect spyware. Without an antivirus program, you are potentially at risk from viruses.

Where can I get an antivirus program and will it cost me?

Quite a lot of companies make antivirus programs, some of the most well known are Symantec, Mcafee, Trend Micro and Grisoft. Before going out and spending £40.00 on an antivirus program you’ve seen in a shop down the road, there are quite a few free programs out there that do their job just as well as the expensive ones. The most popular free program is AVG Antivirus. We have reviewed many free and payed for antivirus pages at I Security Labs so take a look and download the one that has got good marks and suits you.

Am I safe now?

If you install an antivirus program as suggested above, you are a bit secure. If you install an antivirus program above and follow some of the advice we have given about avoiding viruses you will be quite secure. If you follow some of the advice we have given, install an antivirus program and regularly update your antivirus program and get all critical Windows Updates you will be 99.9% safe. You can never be 100% secure, but doing everything above brings you very close to being 100% secure. You can never totally trust any antivirus program, thats why it only 99.9% secure and not 100%.

Now you’ve learnt the difference between a virus and a worm and a trojan and know how to defend yourself. If you stick by our tips and keep everything up to date your system will be nearly 100% immune to viruses.

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