Computer worms, viruses, browser hijacking, denial of service attacks and phishing collectively form the malicious codes known as "malware." Malware plagues PC and Mac users worldwide. Unprepared companies lose countless thousands of dollars because of malware. A sound virus and worm removal plan prevents your company from becoming another statistic.

Provide virus and computer worm information for all employees. Education is the first line of defense against computer worm attacks. McAfee provides a free virus and worm attack newsletter. Share this with your employees. Your first offense against malware and worm attacks is a solid defense:

1. Backup all data at least on a weekly basis. An off site solution is the best. If a worm attack compromises your data, you will have a backup ready to go.

2. Monitor employee email and Internet use. Create, display and enforce disciplinary measures for repeat offenders.

3. Deny or limit wireless Internet use. For many companies, this is their greatest vulnerability.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Test free worm removal solutions first

Sometimes the best worm removal solution is a free one. Even if the program fails to remove the computer worm, you will gather information about computer worms. You can use this information with the next level of worm removal solutions.

I recommend: Begin gathering data by using McAfee's Free Scan. The company provides reliable virus protection software. Before purchasing software, try Spyware Doctor with Antivirus. Another award winning company, Spyware Doctor is the first package to use to remove computer worm.

Remove a computer worm with anti-virus software

Computer Worms look for program vulnerabilities. Unlike mass produced viruses that infect as many computers as possible, worms have specific targets. If either your company or its installed software becomes a worm target, free anti-virus programs might not be powerful enough. Your company's next offensive level is to purchase a virus and Internet security package.

I recommend: Check Point Software's Zone Alarm Security Suite and AVG Technology’s AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall are two of the few worm removal tools that guard against Root kit attacks - malware that lodges itself in your computer before the OS boots the system. This is the most serious computer worm attack.

Protect your computer systems with computer worm removal services

There are times when worm attacks are either well placed, or your company is under constant attack. Most free and many commercial software packages are not sufficient for this threat level. Even the most comprehensive software packages require decent computer knowledge. Some businesses lack a resident computer guru and don't understand software lingo. Subscription IT and security services provide both computer worm information and computer worm removal in one package.

I recommend: Symantec Corporation provides extensive worm removal tools. Norton Internet Security includes monitoring of your wireless connections for computer viruses and worms. Enhanced Communications includes worm removal tools as part of their comprehensive information technology (IT) solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Educate employees about computer viruses and worms. Include tips and techniques about email etiquette (never open EXE attachments) and your company's virus and worm removal solutions.