Before computers even started making their way into people's homes, programmers were writing "viruses" that could cripple entire systems. Since then, viruses like "Melissa," "ILOVEYOU" and "Conficker" have cost businesses and governments billions of dollars and thousands of hours in lost time.

Office computer networks are especially susceptible to virus and malware attacks because they consist of a number of computers linked together. If one user accidentally downloads malicious software onto his computer, that virus will try to spread across every single computer on the network, causing a huge headache for the company's IT staff.

While most large companies implement advanced network security protection designed to stop almost all attacks before they happen, many small companies can't afford sophisticated virus protection for their networks, and, as a result, struggle with virus attacks on a regular basis. Here is an inside look into what experienced IT professionals do when their networks are attacked by viruses.

Follow the plan
Because experienced IT professionals know that security threats are always possible, they already have a plan in place for dealing with them. This plan has already been shared with the information technology staff as a part of their IT training. Employees also should know their role in the process.

Inform employees
Once most viruses attack, they'll try to spread throughout the network. As soon as a network administrator learns of an attack, he'll inform the entire company and let them know how they can stop the threat from spreading to their computers.

Take care of the problem
The IT professional will then isolate the infected computer and examine the virus. He'll scan it with anti-virus software, research the results that come back and take the steps necessary to eliminate the threat. He'll also update the security patches on all machines across the network to make sure the system will be protected if the same threat attacks again.

Verify the security system still works
Because most malware attacks a computer's antivirus software, experienced IT professionals do not declare a computer safe until they make sure its virus protection program still works. Many test their system through the popular EICAR virus test.

Develop a plan for next time
In the days and weeks following the incident, IT professionals will look at the incident and develop a plan to make sure the same thing never happens again. They might beef up their anti-virus software or implement policies that prevent employees from visiting certain websites.

Information in this article was provided by Collins College in Arizona. Contact Collins College today if you're interested in developing marketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with an industry-current degree program. (Collins College does not guarantee employment or salary.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent