Computer viruses (also known as malware) can be very sophisticated, but there are some things they can’t do (except in the movies). For example, they can’t:
- blow up hard drives 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 has designed and programmed them. If you keep your antivirus up-to-date then you will reduce the risk of infection.
Contact
If you’d like to discuss any issues or concerns about data security, please contact robbie.walker@port.ac.uk or mike.meredith@port.ac.uk.
You can read more tips from the University Security team at http://securityblog.port.ac.uk/.
