Avoiding Hoaxes and Viruses
Hoaxes are scams, usually with malicious intent, that try to get money off of internet surfers. They can be pop-ups, they can delete files off of your computer, or they can try to convince you to send them money or personal information. Avoid these at all costs! Most schools have some protection through the school internet connection, but follow these safety tips to avoid harming your computer or your personal information.
1. Never respond to an email message that is sent from an unfamiliar email address that asks for personal information.
2. If something states that you have to reply as soon as possible, it is likely that this is a hoax. An example would be to “claim your prize” or “take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” with exclamation points and uppercase letters.
3. If you never entered into a drawing or lottery, it is unlikely that you have won so never click on anything that says you have won a prize you didn’t apply for.
4. Never forward the message other people you know. This causes for the hoax to be spread around and gain an audience.
1. Never respond to an email message that is sent from an unfamiliar email address that asks for personal information.
2. If something states that you have to reply as soon as possible, it is likely that this is a hoax. An example would be to “claim your prize” or “take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” with exclamation points and uppercase letters.
3. If you never entered into a drawing or lottery, it is unlikely that you have won so never click on anything that says you have won a prize you didn’t apply for.
4. Never forward the message other people you know. This causes for the hoax to be spread around and gain an audience.
A virus is a type of malware and can be destructive to a computer, resulting in losses of important data. Become familiar with the top ten signs that you have a virus from computer-Realm.net and notify your IT personal right away if you believe your computer has a virus:
1. Computer Performance Degrades
2. Takes forever to startup
3. Toolbars and Tray Icons out of nowhere
4. Your computer is infected!
5. Your browser keeps crashing and/or you get a new home page
6. You can’t access your task manager
7. You can’t access your folder options or the preferences are read only.
8. You can’t access the Windows Registry Editor
9. Your CPU Usage is 100% all the time
10. Autorun.inf in your local or external drive
1. Computer Performance Degrades
2. Takes forever to startup
3. Toolbars and Tray Icons out of nowhere
4. Your computer is infected!
5. Your browser keeps crashing and/or you get a new home page
6. You can’t access your task manager
7. You can’t access your folder options or the preferences are read only.
8. You can’t access the Windows Registry Editor
9. Your CPU Usage is 100% all the time
10. Autorun.inf in your local or external drive