How To Avoid Trojans In Your Email

Computer viruses and Trojans can download themselves onto your computer and quickly wreak havoc while there are many other issues with emails like email archiving which makes Trojans just that much more of a hassle. Some will completely shut down your computer, while others hide undetected and steal your personal and financial information. Many of these programs come through email, and there are specific steps you can take to protect yourself from them. By following these do's and don’ts, you can protect yourself from these malicious programs.

Don'ts


Don't open an attachment if you do not recognize the sender. Someone who is unknown to you has no reason to send you an attachment. If it were a legitimate attachment, you would likely know the sender.

Don't open attachments that you do not expect to receive. Alert your friends and family that all attachments will be deleted unless you know it is coming. Some email viruses and Trojans will attach themselves to the address book on the infected computer and automatically email everyone in the group. This means your best friend that you hear from every day could inadvertently send you a virus.

Don't download anything unless you have a current antivirus program installed on your computer.

Do's

Do delete immediately an email with an attachment from someone you do not recognize.

Do not even open the email if it is from an unrecognized source, as the virus could automatically open as well.

Do install antivirus programs on your computer, and make sure they are updated. These links will show you reviews of some of the more popular antivirus programs:

AntiVirus Software Product Comparisons

PC Mag AntiVirus Program Reviews

Consumer Search AntiVirus Reviews

AntiVirus Software

Free AntiVirus Programs

Do choose an anti-virus program that scans email attachments automatically.

Do tell others when you are sending an attachment so that they do not delete it in an effort to protect their computers.

Do choose an email program that has a built-in spam filter.

Do download any security patches and fixes available for your computer email program.

Do make yourself aware of any viruses currently being spread. These sites list the current viruses and Trojans that you should watch for:

McAfee

Threat Explorer

Virus Radar

Current Virus Threats

Do enable a firewall to protect your PC.

Do install antispyware software on your computer to work in conjunction with your antivirus program.

Do enable automatic updates on your antivirus and antispyware programs.

Do read more about protecting your computer from viruses, Trojans, and other malicious programs in these links:

9 Ways to Protect Your Computer

How to Avoid Email Threats

How to Protect Your Computer from Viruses

Protecting Your Computer from Unwelcome Intruders

Keeping your computer safe does not have to be expensive or difficult. By taking a few precautionary measures, particularly with your email, you can stay safe. No matter what, never use the Internet unless you have a working and up-to-date antivirus program on your computer, because any time you are online, you are at risk.