Malware, Computer Viruses and Cyber Security

These are some of the ways you could infect your network, email system, and devices

• accepting pop-up advertisements
• downloading unreliable software – can be disguised as Flash Player update
• opening questionable emails & attachments (if they look odd, don’t open!)
• downloading media and software through unknown vendors or means
• sharing files (peer-to-peer file sharing services)
• using removable media (USB, hard drives, CD, DVD) before scanning and verifying

Take precautions

• get good anti-virus protection!
• secure your accounts with strong passwords
• make sure your backups are working!
• never give confidential or personal information about yourself, your co-op or a member to an unknown or questionable source
• if you think your computer or email files have been compromised, don’t send an email from your infected computer to anyone…
• …and let your IT person know immediately! 
• If you receive notification of a virus, again, consult your IT person right away; don’t leave it because just like a human virus, you can pass it on to friends, family and colleagues