Computer viruses (also known as malware) can be very sophisticated, but there are things they can’t do (except in the movies).
For example, they can’t:
- blow up hard drives, printers or monitors, despite what their messages might tell you
- melt your processor or destroy hardware
- spread through electrical cables unaided
- infect human beings
Computer viruses are human creations; someone designed and programmed them. If you keep your antivirus up to date you will reduce the risk of infection.
Contact
If you wish to discuss any issues or concerns about online security, please contact robbie.walker@port.ac.uk or mike.meredith@port.ac.uk.
You can find more security tips at http://securityblog.port.ac.uk.
