How to avoid viruses
Do NOT open or view any attachment or file in email that you are not expecting.Even if you know the person sending you a file, it does not mean that the file is safe. Newer email viruses can make it look as if your friends/colleagues are sending you the file. In short, whenever you receive a file by email, CHECK with the sender directly that the file is legitimate and if it is not, contact your IT support area.
Following this rule will keep you safe from the vast majority of viruses going around the internet. 1. Do not run, download or forward any unsolicited executables, documents, spreadsheets, etc. Anything that runs on your PC should be virus checked and approved first.
2. Any email you weren't expecting should be treated with suspicion, even if it comes from someone you know. It is worth calling whoever sent it to you to check that they intended to send you the email.
3. NEVER open any files with a double file extension, (e.g. iamavirus.txt.vbs). Under normal circumstances you should never need to receive or use these.
4. Avoid downloading executables or documents from the internet. These are often used to spread computer viruses.
5. Although JPG, GIF and MP3 files are not normally infected with viruses, some viruses can be disguised as these file types, also some recent software problems with image viewers and/or mp3 players have allowed them to contain viruses. Some caution is recommended when opening these file types. Jokes, pictures, graphics, screensavers and movie files should be treated with the same amount of suspicion as other file types.
6. If in doubt, contact the ITS Service Desk for advice, do not open the file or email.
7. If you think you have been infected with a virus inform the ITS Service Desk immediately. Do not panic or interrupt other users.
8. Any virus warnings or hoaxes should be sent to the ITS Service Desk who can help confirm whether or not it is genuine. Do not forward these warnings to anyone else; unless you are signed up to an official virus alert service it is unlikely to be a genuine warning.
9. Ensure that you follow the same procedures at home and elsewhere. Viruses can easily be spread from one location to another.
10. Bank Scams: Ignore emails from banks, unless you have explicitly asked the bank to communicate with you via e-mail.
* Even if you have explicitly asked a bank to communicate with you via e-mail, be cautious if you choose to enter your account details such as your BSB number, account number or pin into a website supplied via e-mail, as it may be forged.
www.its.monash.edu.au/students/security/antivirus/newuser.html 
