How do I avoid a getting infected by a virus?
Good question! Even though you diligently keep your Windows or Mac operating system and your antivirus program updated with all the latest patches and updates you still get viruses.
Updates and patches are reactive to existing viruses or security holes so unfortunately you will always be at risk. To reduce your risk you should always practice safe computing.
What is safe computing?
Safe Computing is composed of a few elements:
– Responsible Surfing: Stay away from shady websites. Also, like your mom said, “Stay away from porn!” Many links to images, particularly the ones with naked people in them, will infect your PC.
– Security: Make sure that the Windows or Mac login you do your day to day surfing under does NOT have admin access to your PC. This will help prevent the spread of a virus if you do happen to stumble across anything malicious.
-Updates: Keep your Operating System, Antivirus Program, and all your web plug-ins updated. If you have an agreement with Univista that includes Limited or Comprehensive Desktop Support then we do most of this for you already.
-Responsible Email: If you get an email that you weren’t expecting that includes a really interesting sounding link to a web page or attachment STAY AWAY! If it’s from a friend call them and ask if they meant to send it to you. If it’s from a stranger then delete it.
What if I do all these things and I still get a popup that looks like a virus?
– DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING IN THE POPUP! Clicking in or on the popup may give the virus permission to install on your PC and then you’re in for a potentially expensive recovery.
Instead please bring up your Task Manager (CTRL-ALT-DELETE keys and then select Task Manager) in Windows or your Task Manager (APPLE-OPTION-ESC) on your Mac and then end your web browser processes until you see the popup disappear.
Unfortunatly that there are no absolute solutions to the virus dilemma. You can only do the best that you can and even then you may still get a virus but I promise that if you do these few simple things your risk will go way down.
As always, please do not hesitate to call us at 866-832-6209. We’re here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.