Video review: combating computer viruses.

TITLE: Computer Virus Attack: Defending Against Viruses and Hackers

PRODUCER: Commonwealth Films

PUBLICATION DATE: 2001

LENGTH: 15 minutes, 40 seconds

PRICE: $707 U.S.

MEDIA: Available in CD-ROM or VHS 

SOURCE: ARMA International (www.arma.org/Bookstore); previews and rentals available from Commonwealth Films (www.commonwealthfilms.com), 617.262.5634

It's easy to take computers for granted. Most people forget how dependent individuals and businesses are on technology and how vulnerable they are because of that dependence--that is, until they are attacked by a computer virus and have to watch helplessly as the virus takes over their computers, networks, and perhaps their entire computing infrastructure. For the millions of people and organizations that have been victims of multiple virus attacks on their home or work computers, and especially for those who have managed to evade computer viruses thus far, the new offering from Commonwealth Films, Computer Virus Attack: Defending Against Viruses and Hackers, can provide some insights to help users protect themselves from future attacks.

This new video delivers the message that everyone is vulnerable to virus attacks: at home, in the office, on laptops, and on handhelds. Computer users must be continuously vigilant and diligent to minimize any possible impact from viruses. While the message is not particularly new, this video showcases it within the framework of a fictitious corporate setting, adding a touch of the "a-ha!" factor with different, common scenarios with which everyone can identify because almost every working individual experiences them every day: opening e-mail attachments, downloading Internet files, forwarding virus warnings to friends, and visiting unfamiliar Web sites. As such, the message resonates with all computer users.

The video begins with a virus programmer launching his "MalMail" virus via posting a purported music file to a newsgroup Internet site. The virus is spread by people unwittingly downloading this file from the newsgroup site. The virus eventually makes its way to the fictitious multinational company, where it spreads like wildfire, sending confidential corporate files to outside contacts stored in employee address books. With the help of the subject company's anti-virus manager, viewers explore the spread of MalMail through the corporation while discussing various related information technology threats, such as:

* E-Mail and Viruses: E-mail users should be suspicious of all e-mail attachments, especially those from unknown senders. And, users are just as vulnerable with instant messaging.

* Virus Hoaxes: Not all virus warnings are valid; therefore, users should not forward these messages on to friends.

* PDAs and Handheld Computers: These are as vulnerable as computers and need to be protected accordingly.

* Hackers, the Internet, and Spyware: Exercise great caution when downloading programs from the Internet. Harmless-looking programs could in reality be "Trojan Horses" that can siphon off important information from computer systems.

* Home Computing, Removable Media, and Zombies: Use extra caution when working at sites away from the office, especially with home computers, which may be used for other non-work activities. Hackers can take control of computers and use them as "zombies" to spread viruses to other computers without the owner's knowledge.

To combat each of these scenarios, apply the following advice:

* Keep anti-virus software up to date.

* Only download approved computer applications.

* Back up files regularly.

* Follow the procedures of the IT department.

* Contact the IT department if you suspect your computer has been infected by a virus.

Commonwealth Films has a reputation for addressing and presenting information management topics in an engaging and sometimes entertaining format, with an educational message that comes across clearly and succinctly. This video is true to the Commonwealth Films form. With a running time of just over 15 minutes, the video concentrates on its primary theme and contains no fluff.

That said, Commonwealth Films should add some new insights. For instance, the video says repeatedly that if users find a virus on their computer, they should contact their information technology department and follow its instructions. But this information is less than helpful if the virus invades personal computer equipment or that of a small business with no information technology department. Also, the advice to back up systems and maintain anti-virus software should already be ingrained in the minds of most computer users.

This video is most appropriate for use by corporations and organizations with large computing systems and corresponding support from their information technology departments. While the message and advice presented by this video is important and relevant to everyone, much of it is common sense and available from other, less expensive sources. For large organizations, however, this video would make an ideal tool for use in conjunction with new employee training programs and information security programs, to train employees, and to reinforce the message of "safe computing." The video package includes a users' guide that summarizes the key points and could be used as source material for employee computing handbooks.

The most important message for viewers to glean is this: Keep your anti-virus software up to date. There may be no better way to avoid becoming a victim of a computer virus.

Marti Fischer, CRM, FAI, is a project manager at Iron Mountain Consulting Services. She may be contacted at [e-mail].