Put spyware and viruses out of action

Isabel takes every precaution against viruses. But it is also important for you to ensure that your own IT environment is secure. Keep a careful eye out for spyware, contaminated software and viruses, as they can sometimes lead to computer crashes that may also harm your connection with Isabel.

Spyware threatens privacy

Don't be too quick in thinking that your software and PC are safe from other people's prying eyes. There is a real chance that someone, somewhere is using spyware to eavesdrop on what you are doing on your computer. Which means that personal data, such as e-mail addresses and the websites you visit, is being monitored and stored without you knowing it. And there is an equally big chance that this data will find its way into the hands of hackers.

Learn to identify and prevent spyware

Symptoms of spyware are:

• pop-up screens keep appearing all the time
• an increase in spam
• your PC runs more slowly
• crashes in your Isabel software or other applications

You can prevent intrusion by spyware by protecting your PC properly with the latest versions of reliable anti-spyware programs. The best known of these programs are Ad-aware and Spybot.
Other application for checking whether your computer has been infected by viruses, spyware, or other malware: Trend Micro HouseCall.

Be careful about downloading

Start by taking a good look at what you are doing before installing software. Check out the programs you receive by e-mail or on a floppy disk and be wary of the software you download via the Internet. And watch out for applications in which users exchange files with one another (peer-to-peer sharing), because they frequently contain spyware.

Having a virus-free environment is important

An up-to-date version of a virus scanner is absolutely necessary for peace of mind. Without regular updates your PC is not protected against new viruses. This not only endangers your own PC, but without you realising it, you may also be sending contaminated files or virus-bearing e-mails to friends' or family members' PCs.

Isabel takes every precaution to avoid virus contamination from the Internet. However it is not possible to offer a 100% warranty as viruses are often distributed more quickly than the time necessary to implement countermeasures. So it may happen that a customer receives a virus via the Isabel network but this risk is minimized to the greatest extent possible.

Visit www.bipt.be for more information about the viruses.

Make sure you have up-to-date software

Hackers often use security loopholes in software. Most software providers are pretty quick in issuing an update or patch once a problem has been identified. Microsoft Windows also has a Windows Update capability, which is available from windowsupdate.microsoft.com.