In the recent past, most computer viruses were activated by the recipient opening an attachment that infects the computer. Most antivirus software will recognize an infected attachment and alerts the user when there is an attempt to open it. Because of more and more publicity on attachments and viruses, people are learning to take a good look at attachments before opening them.

The good news is that people are becoming more aware of virus dangers and signs. The bad news is that inventors of malicious code (including viruses, worms and Trojan horses) are always thinking of new ways to attack computer systems.

The newest wave in virus transfer is to send an e-mail with a link. The email may be from someone you don’t know or may be spoofed (looks like it comes from someone you know, but really doesn’t) and may say something like “check out this cool link” or “view the marketing presentation.” The only requirement is that the item is executable, e.g. a web page or automated presentation. The user clicks onto the link and sees what appears to be a legitimate link or presentation.

The “link” is actually a piece of software designed to manifest itself as something legitimate while in executes software be deploys a virus and damages your computer.

Once you click on this link, it will ask if you want to download the file. Indicate “no” and do not allow your computer to download anything unless you are absolutely certain it has come from a known source and that the source has sent the file in question.