Security news
Security news11 December 2003
Beware Christmas PCs bearing unwelcome gifts - Sophos urges caution during the holiday season
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| Some viruses may be disguised as festive joke programs this holiday season |
Sophos, a world leader in anti-virus and anti-spam protection for businesses, is today warning computer users to exercise caution when setting up new PCs or laptops they receive for Christmas.
Many PCs available on the high street come with software which was produced many months before, so their security patches are out of date.
Similarly anti-virus software, often bundled with a home computer, is unlikely to provide out-of-the-box protection for recent viruses. With more than 700 new viruses identified in November alone, protection that is just a couple of months old could seriously compromise computer security.
"The latest PC or snazzy laptop will be at the top of many people's Christmas list this year," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos. "There's an assumption that a computer straight off the shelf will be ready to go, but I've seen people have to download a staggering 38MB of security patches onto a brand-new PC, that can take from dusk 'til dawn via a modem. The first job after unwrapping a PC should be to make sure that the system is properly protected - applying appropriate patches to the operating system, installing a personal firewall and updating anti-virus software - or users could get more than they bargained for. A computer virus would be a very unwelcome Christmas present."
Sophos also advises computer users not to let their guard down over the festive period.
"Opening joke programs, screensavers, and electronic greetings cards increases the risk of virus infection at any time but can prove to be a particular problem during the holiday season when it is all too easy to let your guard slip and leave yourself open to attack. Safe computing is a must all year round," continued Cluley.
Information for home users on keeping the Microsoft operating system up-to-date is available from Microsoft's website.
