From: Mark Davis <>
Subject: [MDCHARLE-L] Virus Messages / please read
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 11:56:03 -0400
HI All,
Recently there have been a number of messages regarding problems with
viruses circulating through the list. I have several comments to make along
this line.
First, anyone that uses the internet in these times should take the proper
precautions
meaning a good firewall and good virus detection software. If you do not
properly protect
yourself your are not only placing yourself at risk but those with whom you
correspond as
well. Be responsible and protect yourself.
Surfing the net without firewall and anti-virus software is like going to
sea without a life
jacket. Once you get the software keep your definitions up to date! You will
avoid much difficulty
if you do. I learned the hard way about a year ago when I lost everything on
my hard drive to a worm.
Second, if you have questions about a possible problem with a virus go to
the following web
site, http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html There is a search function
at this site
that will allow you to check and see if the information you are being given
is true or not.
You can also go to the Symantec Security Check site for a security and virus
scan done online
at this address
http://security1.norton.com/ssc/home.asp?j=1&langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pk
j=UJWFVYZZALEWNSWLWKA
Trend Micro (PC-Cillin) also offers an online virus scan. You have the
option of registering or not
registering. It is located at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
I can't attest as to the reliability or anything else regarding the
aforementioned services. I am
just putting them out there for your perusal.
Third, if you get an email with an attachment and you don't know who it's
from, don't open it.
Get rid of it. Anyone who is going to send you an attachment should probably
let you know in advance that
they are sending it so you can be assured of it's authenticity.
Fourth, There have been a number of references eluding to the fact that
being a member of a mailing list
is why you are receiving these emails with viruses. Based on the knowledge
that I have of the system which
supports our mailing lists you will never receive an attachment via the
list. There is always that exception
to the rule. Most of the viruses that are spread via email are from
individuals with whom you have corresponded
at one time or another and the virus harvests your email address from their
address book and spoofs an address
to disguise the location from where it originated. Don't blame the list if
you get hit by a virus or a worm.
I get hit at least twice a week with some sort of virus attack and my
software has caught it every time so far.
Be responsible and protect yourself.
As for the Bugbear virus, it's for real. Go to the following link
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/ type="text/javascript">DisplayMail('mm.html','w32.bugbear');
As always you guys have been really great and very courteous to each other.
Please protect yourself and enjoy
the list. The list is what you guys make of it. Have fun and take care.
Mark Davis
MDCharle list caretaker