"My anti virus software will protect
me"
No matter how good anti virus software is, it cannot protect
you from newly released viruses for which a 'cure' has yet to
be developed. The anti virus companies are normally very quick
to bring out updates of their products but it can take a day or
so for new viruses leaving your system exposed. Everyone is susceptible
during this phase.
"I don't use Windows therefore I'm
safe"
No operating system is safe from viruses. Windows system carry
greater risk simply due to the prevalence of the operating system
on users desks.
"I updated my system last week. I'm
okay"
Sadly those involved in producing viruses are far from
inactive, new viruses are detected every day. At WiSS we update
our AV (anti virus) software every hour.
"I don't connect to the internet so I can't get a
virus"
The Internet has made the transport of viruses easier but it certainly
isn't the only route by which viruses can spread. In days of yore,
before the Internet as we know it, viruses were spread by other
media such as floppy disk this is now rare as the Internet has
become the prime mover for spreading viruses.
"I don't use Outlook or Outlook Express"
This may reduce your risk as many viruses are targeted at users of
Outlook and Outlook Express but this doesn't mean you are safe or
immune.
