More often than not, the user whose computer
was infected had received a diskette, with a supposedly cool game,
and was attempting to install the pirated software.
Internet-Era Virus Epidemics with Software Downloads
Today, not many people pass around such files
on diskettes. More commonly, the modern Internet-era version of this
is downloading and installing a piece of unauthorized software –
which also can create a license violation or break a key piece of
software already on the PC.
Virus Prevention Training
As a result of this severe virus risk, users
should be trained to avoid installing unauthorized, downloaded or
noncommercial software on any PC, under any circumstances.
Introducing new software programs into a stable PC/LAN environment
is a task best left for the designated internal guru or professional
computer consultant.
Even among authorized people in your office,
these software downloads should be confined to extremely reputable,
major Web sites that have strong, vested business interests in
preserving their reputations by distributing virus-free software
downloads. Many companies even fold this prohibition into their
company policy on acceptable Internet use.
Software Downloads Action Items
Who is trained and authorized to download
and install software onto desktop PCs, notebooks and servers?
What mechanisms are in place to guard
against unauthorized software downloads installation that carries
substantial virus risk?
Does your company have a policy on
acceptable Internet usage? If so, is the policy effective?
|
