[DML] Viruses and the DML

[mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

All

I have been informed by the owner of the email address
DMCVIN6683 the the virus recently received under his 
address most certainly did not come from his personal 
computer.  He's a MAC user.  It most likely came from 
a Windows Outlook user who has the address in their
address book or in a saved note somewhere, along with 
the addresses of the recipients.

Most viruses these days propagate themselves by looking
for email address lists.  They then grab the list, take 
an address from it, use that in the From: field and then 
send themselves out to everyone else in the address list.
The name you see in the From: field is most likely NOT the
real source of the virus.

The DML is a sizeable community - nearly 1600 subscribers.
Yahoo Groups screens viruses and attachments from any 
incoming posts before moderators even see them, so 
mail from the list *should* be safe.  However if you 
ever get a note from the list with an attachment delete
it immediately - don't even open it.

Other ways you can protect yourself from viruses include:

Keep your Windows PC at the latest service pack levels.
You can have your PC checked by Microsoft by clicking on 
the Tools =-> Windows Update menu item in Internet
Explorer and following the instructions.  You can also configure
certain versions of Windows to check automatically for service 
updates whenever you are attached to the web.  It's free to 
all valid Windows license holders.

Get a virus scanner.  There are lots to choose from, including
McAfee and Symantec.  Keep your virus definition file up to
date - subscribe for updates if you can.  The better scanners
will check incoming email in addition to saved files.

Get a firewall - same sources.

Don't use Outlook or Outlook Express.  If you must use Outlook, 
find out if your ISP provides access to your email from a browser.
If so, use that to pre-screen your mail before downloading it with 
Outlook.  

Be wary of email subject lines that are vague or in all caps.
Use accurate subject lines when sending email.

Manage your address lists.  Keep them as short as possible to 
avoid proliferating a virus should you get one.

Don't open any unexpected attachments of any kind.  Just because
the file says .jpg doesn't mean it's a picture.  If you have 
any doubt, send a note back to the sender and ask if they 
meant to send you anything.  It takes a little longer, but it's
much easier than cleaning up after a virus.

--
Mike Griese - Moderator of the Week



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