Apologize if you’re infected!

Should you apologize if you get an email virus or malware that sends infected emails to all your friends and contacts? What about if a device gets hacked and others’ sensitive information is exposed? You bet you should! And don’t make excuses.

The propagation of viruses or malware across email, systems, computers, or devices depends on you and others not knowing any better or not having the essential preventive measures in place. If you are in that club, you help to perpetuate infections.

Computer Viruses Do Not Discriminate

Unfortunately, we all will experience computer infections on our devices. So it is not the fact it happens as much as how you react when discovering your compromised device(s).

I have antivirus software running 24/7, constantly updating, on all my devices. But because of my job, I know better than most how to avoid getting infected. In my case, any compromises I’ve experienced did not impact anyone but me.

But if you do find you have a computer virus, you want to figure out how it happened so it does not happen again. Lack of understanding, software, and lack of updates? Whichever it is, address it so you won’t be in this embarrassing situation again.

Humble Apology Time

Then, you want to send a simple apology to anyone who may have been affected, stating that you are sorry for any inconvenience caused by virus-generated emails or files. Note that you’ve now put procedures and software/updates in place to prevent this from happening again.

Here’s an example you can customize to your situation.

Hi, Jane:

Unfortunately, I just discovered I had a computer virus that apparently was sending out emails to those in my address book without my knowledge.

This is because I discovered I have not kept my virus software up to date. I have since updated and set the software to do so automatically to avoid this from happening again.

I apologize for any incovenience caused.

Sincerely,
Jack

However, remember that those emails or files may not be an issue if your friends have good virus protection. The recipient’s antivirus will most likely quarantine those items upon download.

Generally, only people with virus problems do not ensure their computers are protected. This includes either constantly updating their antivirus software when prompted or setting it to autopilot.

Use the built-in update scheduler for all your antivirus/anti-malware software. This will ensure that your computer is up to date on the latest viruses, so it knows what to protect you from. Also, ensure you have a program actively scanning your email for downloads.

So stop now and check your virus software. Is it active? Is it set to update automatically? Yes? Good job!