Hackers are constantly upping the ante with more rounds of new, even more devious viruses. In fact, in their attempts to beat anti-virus protection software they have taken the art of the compelling email subject line to new heights. And now with spoofing, which is the ability to mask and consequently forge a senders email address it seems to be open season.

For example, I've received virus laden emails and spam masquerading as urgent business emails; everything from PayPal, eBay, Microsoft updates, domain violation notices, past due bill payment notices...you name it. My all time favorite is the one where the spammer is demanding that I stop spamming them in the subject line (someone I've never emailed in my life...can you imagine the nerve?) and upon opening it (my bad) found a lovely advertisement. I have to admit...they got me on that one.

The real danger lies in these subject lines, as they are so brilliantly crafted to take advantage of the human psyche that they would tempt just about anyone to click that message...potentially even if virus protection had flagged a virus.But, we're onto them now.

Here are 6 things YOU can do to combat this situation:

• Don't be rushed or distracted when you download your email.
  It is very important to pay attention as your mail is downloading so that you can go back and delete all virus flagged emails RIGHT AWAY. Some viruses cannot be quarantined (your viruses protection program will advise you of this) and some can even potentially re-activate. So it is vital to be aware of which emails are flagged for viruses and to delete the entire message without opening it IMMEDIATELY. Of course we all now know not to open email attachments that we aren't expecting (right?), but now we have to be wary of even opening a message itself which appears to be from a reliable source or clicking a hyperlink to go to a webpage.
   

• Don't let subject lines or the (apparent) sender throw you.
  There was a time when virus emails often had a very generic or slightly strange subject line and message (sometimes very strange). Now, the subjects and messages seem to be taking on a more professional, business like tone using spoofing and critical, compelling subjects in an attempt to get our curiosity piqued to the point of no return. The only way to combat this is to rely on your virus protection software. And to take that a step further, you may want to do a little Internet investigation on your own for your own piece of mind, so that you don't feel like that you may be deleting a vital email; type the EXACT subject line into Google. This is the best way to independantly validate reports of viruses and hoaxes. Also, visiting the Symantec website or the website that is potentially being spoofed (the sender) may provide some insight as well.
   

• Use and update your virus protection software.
  Virus protection software should be completely current with updates and definitions. FYI -  product updates are actual software updates (fixes/patches/enhancements) to your version and definition updates keep you protected from the most recent viruses. Also, this is no area in which to pinch pennies; don't let your software get more than a version behind. Hackers are cunning and cutting-edge (what a waste of talent); you can't adequately fight them with old technology. Also, make sure that auto-protect is enabled.
   

• Update Microsoft Windows and Office Applications.
  If you are a PC user, it is critical to keep the Windows OS patched and updated. New vulnerabilities are discovered every day. The same goes for the Office suites. If your system is patched you greatly reduce the risk of an attack from any known viruses which were written specifically to take advantage of a vulnerability and they will be unable to affect your system.
   

• Be very leary about downloading freeware programs and file sharing.
  This is a very risky proposition. Be advised that sharing music/image files and downloading some cool new utility carries strong risk of virus infections, adware and/or spyware infiltrations. The best advice here: just don't do it. If you're going to do it, especially don't do it on your business computer.
   

• Backup your data religiously.
  This is a must and could potentially save your business thousands of dollars in repair and lost revenue. Enough said!

 Here are some important links to help you:
 

Click here to purchase or upgrade to Norton AntiVirus 2004

Click here for the Symantec Support Wizard Troubleshooting problems with updating virus definitions/updater

Click here for the Symantec Security Response Center SARC Scan for Virus and Security Threats for FREE!

Norton AntiVirus™ is the world's leading anti-virus software. It's always working in the background to protect your PC*, and with LiveUpdate you can automatically update your virus definitions when you're connected to the Internet.  It also scans files you download from the web, as well as attachments you get through email.  And it's faster than ever, with the new SmartScan™ engine that won't overburden system resources. Don't put your files at risk from viruses and other malicious Internet code! Buy the software that will protect your PC today and tomorrow: Norton AntiVirus.

If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t forget, we’re here to help. Call today for pricing and availability and start protecting your technology investment.

*Please note that the Auto-Protect feature must be enabled in order for the background virus protection to work properly. In addition, you must be vigilant about updating virus definitions to remain fully protected.