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Security Advisory: multiple security vendors have reported and Adobe has acknowledged vulnerabilities in versions of Flash Player for OS X and Windows prior to 11.6.602.180. ISC strongly suggests upgrading to Flash Player 11.6.602.180. For more information, click here. [March 12, 2013]
Virus Tip: Protect against Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Backdoors)
What is Malware?
From Wikipedia: "malware, short for malicious software, is software designed to infiltrate a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code."
How to Protect your Computer from Malware
You can reduce your risk of getting a computer virus by following these recommendations.
Click on a plus sign [+] to view additional information and a minus sign [-] to hide it.
Keep your operating system current with the latest patches and updates.
Both Microsoft and Apple provide new security updates as necessary, and installing these updates will help protect your computer. When you receive notices to update, do so immediately.
You should set up your computer to automatically check for and install updates.
Microsoft Update Instructions. To install items from Windows Update, you must be logged on as an administrator or be a member of the Administrators group.
- Log on to your computer as an administrator or member of the Administrators group.
- Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
- Open Windows Update.
- Get the latest updates for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates for your machine.
Macintosh Update Instructions.
You can update via the Apple's Software Updates System Preferences or by accessing Apple's download site directly. You will need an administrator account name and password to complete the update.
After installation is complete, restart the computer if required.
- From the Apple menu, select Software Update.
Software Update checks for available updates.
- In the Software Update window that appears, choose the items you want to update then click Install. Usually, you should install all available updates.
Install Penn's supported antivirus software.
Install the current version of Penn's supported antivirus software for your machine. You can download antivirus software from the Supported Products website, this Virus website, or install it from the PennConnect DVD  available at the Computing Resource Center . Remember, out-of-date antivirus software may not detect or protect against new viruses. Keep your antivirus software updated on a regular basis.
Although antivirus software at Penn is distributed to automatically check daily for updates, make sure your computer is configured to automatically update your virus definitions daily (Windows and Mac). Antivirus software vendors make easy-to-install updated virus definition files available regularly to combat new viruses. See Keep Antivirus Definitions Up- to-Date. Exercise caution with email attachments.
Do NOT open email attachments, even from senders you recognize, unless you are sure about the contents. Viruses often attach and are sent automatically via a sender's address book without the sender's knowledge. Thus, if you decide to open an attachment, be sure to scan it with anitvirus software.
Thwart email phishing attacks.
Help thwart phishing attacks by never clicking on log-in links or information links in email purporting to be from your financial institution, PayPal, or eBay -- this includes email from legitimate service vendors. Instead, type the URL in the browser yourself.
Exercise caution accepting file downloads.
Be wary of accepting file downloads from strangers in chat rooms or when using instant messenger programs. These are common ways of infecting your system and may give anyone on the Internet unrestricted access to your computer, all keystrokes that you type, and all of your data files.
Back up your work regularly.
Keep backup copies of important papers, research projects, and other critical documents, and scan your backup files before using them.
Be familiar with your web browser's security and privacy features.
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