You have just removed a number of viruses from a home custom

You have just removed a number of viruses from a home customer’s Windows XP computer and repaired the corrupted boot block. You have scanned the computer after updating the antivirus program and virus signatures to the latest versions, and no threats were found, so the computer is currently threat free. What is your next step to reduce the risk of the computer being infected again?

A. Advise the customer that he is using a poor antivirus product and suggest a better solution.

B. Advise the customer that his computer’s operating system is vulnerable and suggest he update it to the latest version of Windows.

C. Advise the customer that his ISP provides insufficient protection and suggest he change ISPs.

D. Advise the customer to avoid opening e-mail attachments from unknown sources, to avoid visiting “dangerous” Websites, and to avoid engaging in other behaviors that could put his computer at risk of infection.

Solution

D. Usually, the weakest link in a computer’s chain of security is the user. Educating the user in how to avoid risks that could harm his computer and how to maintain his antivirus program is the best way to protect the PC.