Tips for Virus Protection and Prevention when using email

Do not open any files attached to an email from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.

Do not open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know. Some viruses can replicate themselves and spread through email. Confirm that your contact really sent an attachment.

Do not open any files attached to an email if the subject line is questionable or unexpected.

Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not forward or reply to any of them. These types of email are considered spam - unsolicited, intrusive messages that clog up the inboxes and networks.

Do not download any files from strangers.

Exercise caution when downloading files from the internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate and reputable one. Verify that an antivirus program checks the files on the download site.

Update your antivirus software regularly. Most security software, like F-Secure, update automatically and continuously via the internet.

Backup your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can replace them with your back-up copy. You should store your backup copy in a separate location from your work files, one that is preferably not on your computer.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and do not open, download, or execute any files or email attachments. Not executing is the more important of these caveats. Check with your product vendors for updates for your operating system, web browser, and email. One example is the security site section of Microsoft.