And control access to backups to guarantee integrity. However, if you use such programs, be careful that they don't cause greater problems than they solve. Also, an anti-virus program may warn of a suspected infection when none has actually taken place. Because of the differences in anti-virus packages, it's important to standardize testing procedures and analytical tools, so results can be compared on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, malicious code is now a fact of life.
Computer viruses appear to be a long-term threat.
Systems and data will continue to be vulnerable until a proactive preventive and corrective action is established. In the short term, caution in testing and using unfamiliar software, as well as carefully made backups, are your best safeguards.