Protect Critical Services

Protect Critical Services

Once the gateway has been protected, focus on critical services. Since the bulk of viruses attack through e-mail and the web right now, those two services should get special attention. There are a large number of products available today that provide content filtering. It’s even possible to create “home-grown” solutions by using the existing capabilities of the daemons that provide service. More and more e-mail servers have content filtering capabilities built in. It’s possible to block e-mail, for example, that has an attachment with an extension that is on the “forbidden” list. This technique is essentially the first line of defense for Messagelabs, the popular e-mail-filtering provider.

There are also products that are designed to scan for viruses in e-mail, web and ftp traffic. Although they suffer from the same weakness that all anti-virus software has, the need to be constantly updated, they can provide an effective adjunct to the other measures already discussed.

In summary, to fight the virus battle, enterprises must take a holistic approach to virus protection. Every aspect of the enterprise should be examined for ways to lessen the impact of viruses so that the organization can fight off viruses in a coordinated fashion. Once effective measures are in place, the IT staff should keep a vigilant watch for new attack methodologies and devise strategies to deal with them. By doing this, the enterprise can remain relatively virus-free, and the end-users, the customers of IT, can concentrate on the success of the business.

Paul Schmehl is a Technical Support Services Manager with over 25 years experience. He is currently employed in IT management in higher education, in enterprise-wide technical support, help desk management and anti-virus protection. Involved in many new technology projects, web site development and security-related issues. Paul is also a founding member of AVIEN.

Proofpoint Virus Protection:

Anti-Virus and Zero-Hour Anti-Virus Technology

Proofpoint Virus Protection™ and Proofpoint Zero-Hour Anti-Virus™ technologies, included in the Proofpoint Enterprise Protection email security suite, provide complete protection against email-borne viruses, worms, trojans and other malware. By including both signature-based and zero-hour virus detection capabilities, powered by the world’s leading anti-virus engines—combined with robust policy management features—Proofpoint Enterprise protects your organization against both known and emerging malware threats.

* Comprehensive protection against all types of viruses, worms and other malware, powered by leading anti-virus engines. Both inbound and outbound email streams can be scanned for malware.

* When deployed as SaaS, 100% anti-virus accuracy is guaranteed by service level agreement.

* Continuous virus-protection updates ensure your organization is always protected.

* Integrated, centralized anti-virus policy administration and reporting.

Many computers are vulnerable to various types of harmful software such as viruses, Trojans, and worms — collectively called malware. Having virus protection on a system is important to help protect data. As with most things, the best virus protection is prevention; an anti-malware program that will stop malware before it can get on your system. Possibly the most well known type of virus protection is an anti-virus software. However, it is also important to have an anti-spyware and a firewall installed and active on the system.

When looking for virus protection, consider first an anti-virus program. The important options for an anti-virus program are real time or on-access scanning, the ability to schedule a scan on a regular basis, and automatic e-mail scanning. It is also important to find an anti-virus that is easy to use and install, that is effective in both detecting and cleaning viruses, that will give you easy to understand notices of found viruses and what the program has done with it, and has good customer support. It is also necessary for the updating process to be easy so that the user can keep the software regularly updated. The scanning process should also be fast so the user does not get tempted to pause or stop the scan.

Firewalls are also important in keeping malicious objects off a computer. A firewall is a program that examines all messages going to and from the system and blocks those that do not meet certain criteria. This can stop malware from getting on to the system. A firewall does not, however, detect malware that has made its way onto the computer so regular anti-virus scanning is a must. Most computers will come with a firewall installed, but it is up to the user to make sure it is up and running.

Some users may find themselves being bombarded by pop-ups that are designed to sell them something. These pop-ups are types of spyware. Spyware can also steal personal information and change the computer’s configuration without the user’s knowledge. The solution to this is an anti-spyware program. A good anti-spyware will not only detect and remove spyware from the system but will also keep spyware off the system in the first place.

Those looking to protect their computers from viruses may find themselves tricked into buying fake virus protection. Such programs, called rogue anti-viruses, can be programmed to look just like legitimate anti-virus software. They often pop up when a user is on the internet and claim that the system is infected when, in fact, it may not be. If the user downloads the rogue software, it can cause problems on the system, including tricking the user into buying fake software, stealing information, corrupting files, disabling real computer and anti-virus updates, and stopping the user from visiting a real anti-virus website. Proper virus protection, coupled with knowledge of how these rogue anti-viruses work, will prevent users from succumbing to these attacks.

Of course, knowledge is the best form of virus protection. If an unknown — meaning that the user did not install it — virus protection window pops up claiming that the computer is at risk go to a trusted anti-virus scanner to check it out. It is wise to have an updated, running virus scanner on the system, but there are also good online virus scanners available. Viruses can also be stopped if the user does not click on any unexpected links—even if it looks like it is being sent by a person the user knows--before asking the sender if he or she sent it. Lastly, always try to download software straight from the publisher to ensure that the software is legitimate and not a virus.

Recent statistics show that an unprotected computer can be infected with a virus, worm, or Trojan in less than five minutes after being placed on a network.

Worms and Trojans are the most common forms of infection and/or compromise. They are dependant on computer systems that have not been protected with the most current security patches released by operating system and application vendors. These neglected applications and operating systems provide easy targets for hackers to exploit in order to gain greater access for their criminal activity.

Some viruses prey on uninformed computer users. They do this by embedding attachments in appealing looking e-mails hoping to trick the user into activating the virus, worm, or Trojan. Viruses can also be transmitted during file sharing using Instant Messaging services. Users should never open an attachment in an e-mail or a file received through IM unless they know and trust the sender. Viruses can come from a friend or relative as easily as from a stranger. A common indicator that a virus is attached to an email is the presence of inadequate or misspelled text or short phrases like, "Attention!!!" or "Your file is attached." in the body of the message. An easy solution for this is to be suspicious of all attachments and shared files, even those from a known or trusted source.

In addition to patching, the most important tool a user can have to protect their computer from viruses is anti-virus software. This software protects a computer system from receiving viruses and from distributing a virus if the system becomes infected. The good news is that the University of Tennessee supplies free anti-virus software to all faculty, staff, and students. You can download the software at this link

Worldwide, AVG Internet Security is trusted by more than 110 million people

Worldwide, AVG’s antivirus software is trusted by more than 110 million people. A staggering number made possible by AVG’s award-winning research and development team and a long-standing commitment to positive customer experience.

The AVG customer satisfaction guarantee is a “real” value-add. All 110 million AVG software users are promised “round-the-clock” support by AVG’s expert service team. In other words, AVG provides free technical assistance 24/7.

“In my opinion, AVG Internet Security is the best virus protection and antivirus suite availble now,” wrote one recent web customer.

When it comes to manipulative and difficult-to-manage internet virus protection and security issues, most internet surfers prefer to tackle issues themselves, quickly and effortlessly. However, with the complexity and strength of security attacks and modern software assaults, AVG users enjoy the comfort of knowing that if they can’t fix it themselves, they can always call an AVG specialist for help.

No other antivirus software for Windows offers the same level of customer service, computer security, and antivirus patrolling as AVG Internet Security for such a low price point.

“The best thing about this affordable virus protection software is that it wont slow down your system. That’s the key factor which makes AVG unique.” exclaimed one recent customer.

If you've been having continuous flow of bad luck or misfortune and it seems like nothing is going the way you'd like it to, this is just the spell you're looking for! Within a day or two of casting this spell most people begin to notice their luck changing for the better. At first it might be small things like find a close parking spot, and then bigger things like finally finding the job they were looking for, and then even bigger things start going better and better! And, before you know it, all that bad luck had completely turned around until things are going great!

SPECIAL SPELLS

>Guarantee that you win that troubling court case

* >Bring you to see your enemies and make demands on them using a mirror

* >Quit alcohol, smoking, drugs, using purely herbal therapies with no side effects

* >Are your diabetic, aged or have high blood pressure, and its affecting your performances

* >Get married to that lover of your life in a short time and seal up your marriage with eternal love and happiness

* >Guarantee that you are trusted by your colleagues, husband, wife, inlaws, friends, etc

* >Eliminate in-family fights between children and parents, in-laws, husband and wife and ensure peace and harmony in the home

* >Extreme protection for those doing dangerous jobs like security guards, bank managers, cash transporters etc

Not everyone is destined to become a Medicine Man/Woman, but each person has a special gift given to them by the Creator that when developed can benefit society and the Earth.

is sometimes willing to serve as a "Spiritual Life Coach and Mentor" and help people with their spiritual growth and development, and special needs (on a donation basis). Depending on the individual need there may be opportunities to undergo special experiences and quests in Nature to further enhance one's abilities. In this way, certain people seeking knowledge and power will come to learn that Nature is both Teacher and Healer, and the good spirits of Earth are willing to help us in our spiritual growth and development.

Network Access Protection

Network Access Protection (NAP) is a security-policy enforcement technology built into Windows Server Longhorn, Windows Vista, and WindowsXP-sp2 that allow a computer administrator to develop and enforce compliance with health policies for network access and communication. NAP provides administrator-defined requirements for system health policy enforcement that help ensure computers connecting to a network or communicates on a network meet these policy requirements. NAP also provides an Application Programming Interface (API) to help administrators, developers and vendors enforce compliance with health policies for network access and communication.

In the early days of networking, when Ethernet was used simply to connect workgroup LANs, a concept of network security emerged that was based on a ?crunchy shell around a soft, chewy center.? This addressed the emerging threats created when opening up a door between the workgroup LANs by encouraging the hardening of the LAN perimeter. By focusing on the idea that the network is self-contained, and therefore safe, security meant mainly guarding that door.

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses are pieces of computer code, designed to implant itself in programs or files with the idea of destroying, or changing the data transmitted. Viruses can be spread through interchange of files and programs, loaded onto a computer and executed. They slow down computers, crash a system, or simply reroute data to other units. Virus numbers have risen since the 90s, and the U.S government has passed laws making virus introduction into computers of unknowing victims, a serious crime. Software companies have also sought to stem the tide by creating programs specifically for tracking down viruses and stopping them. Below are articles which provide information on latest computer viruses, virus statistics, computer virus protection and removal.

Virus Protection For The Mind

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Steven Aitchison of Change Your Thoughts.

We all know how destructive viruses on our computer can be and how important it is to have virus protection installed. However we’re not so careful when it comes to protecting our own minds with the, often devastating, effects our own thoughts can have on it.

The more serious of these thought viruses can lead to mental health problems such as loss of confidence, mild depression, self esteem issues, and a distorted perception of ourselves.

Science has shown that there is a link between physical and mental well being and positive attitudes in life. When you are happy and content with life and your thought processes are working correctly your brain releases endorphins which is your brains way of dealing with pain and making your feel happier. Your brain also releases something called Gamma Globulin to strengthen your immune system and another chemical called Interferon which combats viruses, infections and even cancer.

How then do we combat these thought viruses and protect our minds in order to stay healthy mentally and physically.

The answer could be ‘thought awareness’. This is when we recognize the thoughts that could lead to a downward spiral of negative emotion resulting in mental and physical problems, in effect viruses in our minds.

4 Ways to to control the viruses in your mind

1. Negative self talk.

When you recognize that you are talking to yourself in a negative way, recognize it for what it is; Your mind has tried to protect you from being hurt emotionally so starts talking to you in a negative way in order to protect your feelings.

For example; you want to start your own business and have a desire to work for yourself. At first you are really excited by the prospect, but immediately your mind start telling you it will be too hard, you will have to work very long hours, you will have to network, which you hate doing, you will have to do this and that and it will be way too hard.

As soon as you recognize these thoughts creeping in, it’s time to stop them dead in their tracks and carry on with your plans. Everything you don’t know yet is difficult simply because you don’t know it, but when you take steps towards knowing, it becomes less difficult and therefore easier.

When you recognize and stop the negative self talk your thoughts will then start naturally flowing to a positive mind state. Kind of like when you were a child and you believed you could do anything, only this time you have the tools to actually do anything you want.

2. Get rid of the past.

We tend to dwell on negative events from our past in an effort to understand why they happened. This can often occur with traumatic events from our past.

I had a client who had been trying to understand why a certain series of events had happened to her and she had been trying for 25 years and still getting herself upset every time she spoke about it. When I asked her why she was still trying to understand it when she had not been able to figure it out for the last 25 years, she looked at me with a blank stare. I then went on to advise her to acknowledge what had happened to her, not dismiss it, and put it on the shelf at the back of her mind. I advised her, at the moment, she was taking the item from the shelf of her mind every day and trying to analyze it when it would be better just to know it’s on the back shelf and get on with doing other things in her life. This was a turning point for her.

3. Use affirmations to train your mind.

The use of affirmations is well documented ever since the classic book: ‘Creative Visualization’ by Shakti Gawain back in 1978.

Affirmations are short phrases or sentences you repeat to yourself mentally in order to induce a certain state of mind. the classic one being:

‘Everyday in every way, I am getting better and better’ (Emile Coue).

By stating affirmations to yourself in a mantra like way and repeatedly over weeks, months and years your mind becomes trained to think in a different way. If you don’t think this works think about your fears for a second or two. people who are afraid of going into elevators have literally used affirmations and visualization to train their mind to produce a state of panic whenever they have to enter an elevator. So it is true in reverse. People who are confident have affirmed, at every opportunity, to tell their mind they are confident in every situation and confident enough to try new situations. We all use affirmations in our lives without ever knowing that we do so why not put affirmations to good use and consciously train your brain to a better way of thinking.

4. Open yourself to new experiences.

You are only on this earth for around 80 years, on average, if you are lucky, so why not try and experience as much as you can before you die. We all live in comfort zones and that’s great because comfort zones protect us to a degree. However comfort zones also stop us from learning about ourselves and growing as individuals.

We also we pass on our comfort zones to our children and we all want what’s best for our children so why not try to experience something totally new and step outside your comfort zone. Imagine what the world would have been like if the likes of Emily Panckhurst, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Alexander Graeme Bell had not stepped outside their comfort zone.

Apathy is found within the comfort zone, greatness lives outside of it.

Realize that every thought cannot be controlled

It would be naive to say that we can literally control all of our thoughts. It would be impossible to do this. Our aim is not to control our thoughts it is to steer them in the right direction. Right now your thoughts can be likened to 10,000 young children all running about, screaming and shouting in a very large playground somewhere, it would be impossible to control them, however imagine having a big purple dinosaur show up in the playground what do you think would happen. The kids would quieten down and start watching the show the big purple dinosaur was putting on.

So our aim here is not to control our thoughts but to control the big purple dinosaur and that can be done using a handful of techniques like the 4 techniques above.

Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Computer Virus Free

1. Install reliable anti-virus software. Anti-virus software scans files regularly for unusual changes in file size, programs that match the software's database of known viruses, suspicious email attachments, and other warning signs. It's the most important step you can take towards keeping your computer clean of viruses.

2. Don't automatically open attachments. Be sure your email program doesn't automatically download attachments. This will ensure that you can examine and scan attachments before they run. Refer to your email program's safety options or preferences menu for instructions.

3. Scan all incoming email attachments. Be sure to run each attachment you plan to open through the anti-virus check. Do this even if you recognize and trust the sender; malicious code, like Trojan horses, can slip into your system by appearing to be from a friendly source.

4. Get immediate protection. Configure your anti-virus software to boot automatically on start-up and run at all times. This will provide you back-up protection in case you forget to scan an attachment or decide not to. And in case you forget to boot up your anti-virus software, configuring it to start by itself will ensure you get immediate protection anyway.

5. Update your anti-virus software frequently. An anti-virus program is only as good as the frequency with which it is updated. New viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are born daily, and variations of them can slip by software that is not current.

6. Don't download programs from the Web. Unreliable sources such as Internet newsgroups or Web sites that you haven't heard of may be willing providers of viruses for your computer. Avoid downloading files that you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program - any files with an ".exe" or ".com" extension, such as "coolgame.exe." Check to see if the site has anti-virus software running on their side. If you do have to download from the Internet, be sure to scan each program before running it. Save all downloads to one folder, then run virus checks on everything in the folder before using it.

7. Don't boot from a floppy disk. Floppies are one of the most common ways viruses are transmitted. If you are using a floppy while working on your computer, remove it when you shut the machine off or the computer will automatically try to boot from the floppy, perhaps launching any viruses on the disk.

8. Don't share floppies. Even a well-meaning friend may unknowingly pass along a virus, Trojan horse, or worm. Label your floppies clearly so you know they're yours and don't loan them out. If a friend passes you a foreign floppy, suggest an alternative method of file sharing.

9. Scan floppies before using them. This is always important, but especially if you are using the disk to carry information between one computer and another. You could easily pick up a virus from an insecure network and introduce it into your system. Running a virus scan before launching any of the programs on the disk will prevent infection.

10. Use common sense. It's always better to err on the side of safety. If you're unsure about an attachment, delete it. Especially if it's from a source you don't recognize. If there are tempting animations on a site that look highly unprofessional, don't download them.