While Information Technology professionals have long tried to ensure the reliability of computer and network hardware, many are realising that the loss or lack of access to PC software and data can cripple operations and curtail revenue. Computer viruses and other types of malicious software pose a serious threat.

A number of clues can indicate that a virus has infected or attempted to infect a system, even before any damage is done. Unexplained system crashes, programs that suddenly do not seem to work properly, data files or programs mysteriously erased, disks becoming unreadable; all could be caused by a virus.

• Preventing infection
• Policies and procedures
• Virus protection packages
• Examples of Viruses