ITsafe, a new initiative to protect home computer users and micro businesses from viruses and other threats online, was launched on Wednesday 23 February 2005 by HM Government.
The IT Security Awareness for Everyone website - www.itsafe.gov.uk - offers free advice as well as virus and threat alerts allowing computer users to surf the net and send and receive emails more safely.
The service, a Home Office funded initiative, uses information provided by the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) - the Government's centre for electronic defence. It aims to reassure users by advising them on how best to protect their personal and business data.
To sign up users can simply visit the website where they will be asked to provide their email address. For those who prefer, a text message service to a mobile phone is also available. Alerts will consist of an email or text outlining specific threats and what damage they can do. Users will then be directed to clear, step-by-step advice on how to respond and therefore maximise the security of their computers, software and personal or business data.
Go: http://www.itsafe.gov.uk/index.html

Possibly the most comprehensive virus database is Datafellows. This page is considered the industry standard information source for new virus hoaxes and false alerts. Hoax warnings are typically scare alerts started by malicious people - and passed on by innocent users who think they are helping the community by spreading the warning. The website contains a properly organised list of ALL hoaxes together with a list of the latest ones.

Myths And Legends - this site bursts the bubble on virus hoaxes, myths and legends plus some essential info about viruses past and present. You can also search a formidable list of computer virus hoaxes from A-Z from the site. There are also areas under the headings of "How to Spot a Virus Hoax", "Ways to Reduce Virus Hoaxes" and "The False Authority Syndrome".

The finding of another new and developing web site which we recommend above most was akin to the discovery of Penicillin - it includes (via its Index) a veritable cornucopia of virus information (as well as Amateur Radio and other items) - we hope you too will benefit from it and respond to its author from here to let him have your own comments and deserved thanks please.

Much is heard and bandied about concerning computer viruses and Internet chain letters - the almost-definitive treatise on this subject is to be found under HOAX VIRUS being the site of the Department of Energy Computer Incident Advisory Capability and is well-worth a visit. The text-only file is formidable in its coverage and includes the "Win a Holiday" fright, the "Disney GiveAway" hoax, Melissa and other infamous ones of equal notoriety.

Information is readily obtainable on the Internet about past viruses from the Site of Peter Wells, a security expert the preface saying "Computer virus expert Joe Wells has been collecting virus reports from other anti-virus experts around the world for years. These reports are important, as they reflect information about which viruses have actually been found spreading in the wild, around the world. These reports have evolved into The WildList." and myths are discussed and detailed on Rob Rosenberger's page, (Computer Virus Myths) which explains many hoaxes - indeed called "the subcarrier" viruses" of the cyberworld along with many other misconceptions abounding and the "False Authority syndrome". The popularity of this site can be judged by reading the "Hit Counter" - 1.3m visitors since December 1995.

For matters of antivirus visit IBM's Web Site - this famed company in conjunction with Symantec (the makers of Norton AntiVirus software) have a virus alerts page and a Hype Alerts page.

In connection with the mid-June alerts (e-mails carrying zipped documents etc.) we suggest that interested parties go look at:- SYMANTEC where you will find tools including the KILL_EZ.EXE tool within their Anti Virus Research Center
and/or
A.V.E.R.T. (a Division of NAI Labs) Anti-Virus Alert Response Team where you will find the full story, very much up to date, and W32/ExploreZip.work etc. They are both very helpful and full of other useful information.
The motto is patent - "I you don't want to get infected, don't unzip" !

Another very useful source of much detail is the formidable McAFEE VIRUS INFORMATION LIBRARY from whom you have the opportunity to obtain and receive virus information from their encyclopedic listing.

Viruses can seriously damage your PC and the information you've stored on it. Protect yourself against viruses! This great site is packed with useful information, including how viruses work, the latest news on killer viruses, such the "I Love You" virus and the Autumn 2002 "Bugbear" - and top tips to help you beat them!

If you do not have anti-virus software, or you are looking to upgrade, you could try Norton Anti-Virus Software - (their database includes much helpful information especially in the case of purchaser's of the software finding that on occasion the "Live Update" facility seems not to work) - they go under the title of Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) of late.

Another excellent source of Antivirus information is Doug Muth's Anti-Virus Help Page which has been described as "a fantastically deep collection of information regarding computer viruses with lots of helpful papers, reports and links to additional resources." It is not tied to any commercial concern.

The best advice is to always check any virus alerts with a leading authority. Once such authority is the F-Secure website.
If you discover that someone has sent you a hoax warning, let them know and tell them how you found out. Education is the best weapon to help eradicate hoax virus warnings. This has worked successfully for many Internet users.

There are many good virus protection programs, but the most important thing is that you update yours often, at least once a month. A good virus protection program that is regularly updated is vital to your computer's health. You can download a free one.