Preventing Virus Infection

Keep viruses off the network by educating users about virus dangers and by enforcing procedures that reduce virus risks, such as the following:

• Back up data frequently.
• Maintain layers of archived backups so you can retrieve a backup from a preinfected file.
• Keep a write-protected, bootable diskette with the latest virus scan and removal software for all servers and workstations.
• Keep a backup of executable files and flag them Execute Only.
• Educate yourself about the infection techniques of the latest viruses.
• Educate network users about how to detect viruses.
• Warn users of the dangers of viruses. Discourage them from using diskettes and files that have been in computers away from work.
• Teach users to power down their workstations immediately upon encountering a virus.
• Restrict access to a server's diskette drives by locking the server in a secure room. Put tape over the drive openings to remind you not to use them unnecessarily.
• Avoid using the Admin account when possible. The fewer privileges your login account has, the less power a virus has to destroy data and to spread.