E-Mail Viruses Wreak Havoc: How to Protect Your Business

In September 2003 a fierce e-mail virus named Sobig.F infected hundreds of thousands of computers, shutting down e-mail servers and crippling entire computer networks. After installing on the victim’s system, the virus began sending infected e-mail to everyone listed in the person’s electronic address book. In turn, the computers of these users became infected and sent e-mail to another wave of people.

 

Viruses like Sobig.F disrupt your business by hampering quick communication over electronic mediums. For business to function smoothly, you need to rely on computers. That means protecting your computers before the next pernicious virus sweeps the Internet. Here’s what you can do.

 

Sobig.F, like many other viruses, spreads only when users open infected e-mail attachments. Computer experts rightly warn people against opening e-mail attachments from unknown users. This is good advice but not enough to keep you safe. After all, recipients of infected messages often know the sender because Sobig.F and others send infected e-mail only to people listed in a person’s address book.

 

Sending word documents and assorted other files is an important part of doing business. So how do you minimize the threat of viruses while having fully functional e-mail? Ensure that virus protection software is installed on all your business’ computers. (Many PCs come with one of these programs preinstalled.) It’s important to configure the virus program not only to scan the computer regularly but also to check all incoming e-mail attachments for viruses.

 

Moreover, update your virus software frequently. New strains of computer viruses are constantly being created. Unless your program has the most current list, it won’t provide the most effective protection. Some virus programs offer free updates to protect against new viruses. Others charge a subscription fee. Either way, when your program indicates that a new data file is available, take the warning seriously and update your software.

 

One last precaution is to regularly backup computer documents and files that your business needs. If all employee files are located on a central server, this should be fairly easy to do. Otherwise, ask your employees to make copies of important business files on a weekly or monthly basis.

 

When making the decision to purchase a computer for your business, factor in the price of virus protection. If you think you can save a buck now by neglecting this important aspect of securing your business’ technological infrastructure, just consider the cost of reproducing the valuable work and information stored on your computers.