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Anti-virus software needs to be kept up to date

Anti-virus software needs to be kept up to date if it is to remain effective, it has been claimed.

According to IT industry expert Phil Mulkins, both the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team recommend using anti-virus software for home computer users.

Writing for Tulsa World, Mr Mulkins recommended that users buy software that is capable of completing automatic scans.

He said: "Virus authors constantly release new and updated versions, so the latest definitions must be installed on your computer."

He added that users should be suspicious of email messages offering free anti-virus software.

"The attachment is probably a virus, so your computer could become infected just by opening it," he claimed.

According to Symantec's MessageLabs, one in 78 links sent through instant messaging services will redirect users to a website containing malware or viruses.

The company said that this amounts to a large increase over the past six months.

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