Information security is our shared responsibility when we connect online at work and at home. Part of this responsibility includes shielding our devices from malware and computer viruses. CyberSafe at USPS™ offers tips to spot and prevent infection on our computers, mobile devices, and tablets.
Malware — which includes computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses — is malicious software that can damage or destroy personal or business networks. Malware can attach to emails and spread from device to device.
This type of malicious software can damage the confidentiality of personal or business information and systems, so it’s important to learn how to spot and prevent computer viruses.
There are several ways to prevent computer viruses from infecting your device. Antivirus software is a useful tool for catching malware on your device. Antivirus software is automatically installed on all Postal Service™ ACE workstations.
To protect against infection:
n Scan incoming files using your antivirus software before you load or save them to your device.
n Scan outgoing files using your antivirus software before sending them to another device or user.
n Avoid opening unsolicited or suspicious email or attachments.
n If using a Postal Service-provided device, do not modify or disable antivirus protection.
Unfortunately, sometimes devices become infected by viruses. Signs your device may be infected with malicious software include:
n Files or data are suddenly unavailable.
n Files have been edited when no changes should have occurred.
n Files appear or disappear, or undergo unexpected changes in storage size.
n Systems or applications display strange messages or mislabel files.
n Systems or applications become slow, unstable, or inaccessible.
n Unexpected processes or applications, such as your email, start on their own.
If you believe your computer or device has been infected by malware, stop using the computer or device immediately.
Don’t wait to report infection! If your Postal Service provided device has been infected by malware, call the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) at 866-877-7247 or send an email to CyberSafe@usps.gov.
CyberSafe at USPS shares additional resources on information security and computer viruses at http:⁄⁄blue.usps.gov⁄cyber⁄.
USPS® has also partnered with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their Stop. Think. Connect.™ campaign. DHS addresses malware and other information security topics on their website at https:⁄⁄www.stopthinkconnect.org⁄. Online security is a priority for USPS employees, customers, and suppliers, so don’t catch the computer bug!
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Officer, 2-18-16
