When it comes to detecting viruses and preventing attacks, the McAfee has some good advice for computer users.

Top of the tip list is beware of what you open. In other words, do not open any files that are attached to email, instant messages, or offered as downloads, unless you are completely confident about their origin.

Even if a file is from a friend, or from someone you know, still be careful as people can have their mailbox hijacked and emails sent from their computer without their knowledge. This means that an email might find yourself in your inbox from what you think is a trustworthy source, only for you to find out that it is far from trusty. Best thing to do is just check that your contact has indeed sent you an email with a file.

Keep an eye open for suspicious subject lines in emails. This is usually a dead giveaway that something is wrong. If it looks odd, it usually foretells trouble and its best to delete it without opening it at all.

Chain emails might seem charming to some, but they effectively are spam and go towards clogging up the ether whilst serving no real purpose. Delete and avoid expanding the chain. Bear in mind that over 80% of emails sent around the world are spam.

When it comes to downloading files off the internet, be very careful indeed. There are many free things on the internet and not all of these are good. Many screensavers, games, or seemingly useful bits of code can harbour nasty viruses that end up attacking your computer. So ensure you know where that file is coming from. Also watch out for innocent looking media playing devices which a site might say is necessary when downloading and watching film clips. These are often bits of code which do a lot more than let you watch some film. They often contain viruses that open up your computer for the cybercriminals to march around unhindered.

Okay, and this might seem obvious, but to many it’s not: get anti-virus software on your computer. Do not send, or receive emails, and do not surf the internet without very good protection from a credible anti-virus software programme. And be wary of any box that suddenly flashes up and warns you that it has detected a virus and you must download a programme to remove it immediately. These are usually tricks to get you to download malware – code that sits on your computer and opens you up to attack from cybercriminals.

McAfee anti-virus programmes, like all such good applications, continuously updates from the internet, meaning that you are protected from new viruses and sudden attacks.

Back-up your files on at least a weekly basis, if not a daily basis. Regular and proper back-up means that should you be unfortunate to catch a major virus, then you won’t lose all your files and work, as well as have an effectively useless computer.

Also, check with the developer of your operating system for any updates, or patches as they are commonly known. These are sent out to close holes – known as bugs – in software code which cybercriminals use to find a way into a system. Most updates or patches are automatic, but do ensure your system is completely up-to-date.

Above all, if you think it doesn’t smell right, then always err on the side of caution. Be suspicious and it might just save you a lot of time and money.

Guest Article by Neil Camp