What you can do to protect yourself and your computer against scams and viruses.
Always have an up-to-date anti-virus program installed.
Legitimate companies do not have call centres who make cold support calls (just think how hard it can be to get through to someone when you call them!). Microsoft, your internet service provider, your bank, BT or any other company will NEVER cold call you to help solve a problem. These calls are ALWAYS scams.
Cold callers are very professional, very convincing thieves. NEVER allow someone to take control of your computer during an unsolicited phone call. Anyone who takes control of your computer will have access to all of your saved passwords within seconds.
Always keep back-ups of your data. External USB hard drives are not expensive.
Be very careful when using file-sharing software. Scan any downloaded file before opening it.
Never click on a link in an email - even from someone you know - unless you have made a specific arrangement for them to send you a link to something.
Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.
Be suspicious of any unsolicited email attachments - even from people you do know.
Be aware that fake virus warnings can pop-up while browsing the web.
These screens look very official and convincing.
Be suspicious of any warning that is not from your installed anti-virus program.
Be suspicious of any screen that pops up and appears to be running a scan of your system.
Never call a phone number that appears in these messages.
Never pay money in response to these messages.
Don't click on these screens - close your browser.
If you do get an infection call for help as soon as possible. The longer a virus is on your computer the more damage it can do.
