Virus Detective

Step 5:
Go to the Internet and find out about this particular virus! Make sure it's not a hoax; make sure it's not a new virus that isn't fully documented yet; make sure it can be cleaned properly by your AV program.
Rob Rosenberger's site Vmyths.com is an excellent place to check for hoaxes.
CA's Virus Encyclopedia or Symantec's Virus Central are good places to get information on a virus, trojan or worm.

Step 6:
Now you are in a position to make an informed decision about what to do. You have established beyond reasonable doubt that you do or don't have an infected file. You can use it, clean it or dump it with confidence! You also have all the information you need for the final step.

Step 7:
Finally! Be responsible about what you've found, whether it's a hoax, a false positive, or a real virus, others can benefit from your investigation. A program author, a download site promoting the program, the person who sent you an attachment, they all have an interest in what your programs and you found. Be nice though, assume this is an accidental infection and write a polite "thought you should know" email. Include all the information you noted in Step 1: and the final conclusion you came to.

Although this sounds like overkill and a lot of work, it actually takes longer to read than to do! Bottom line... don't panic, do some research, you'll learn a lot and that's always worth the time and effort :)

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic