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Archiver > TMG > 2002-10 > 1033662930


From: "Douglas and Elena Husemann" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] Re: Virus
Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2002 11:35:30 -0500
References: <3D9C3178.84AADAE0@bellatlantic.net>


First lets break down this Virus. for the more paranoid in the
group.

One a fix for this particuliar virus was released by MS over 18 months
ago. So UPDATE YOUR COMPUTERS. It is taking advantage
of a Flaw that MS had already fixed.

Second it is the Bugbear Worm. It has its own EMAIL server
It also selects randomly from the computer different messages and
resends them with random Email headers. with real names.

It is a catagory 3 virus now. It will attempt to disable or hender
Antivirus software and firewalls. I also sends an Email to a particuliar
email address.

I have been using computers for over 18 years now. I have never ever
gotten a virus in that time period. It takes just a bit to learn safe computing
practices.

ALWAYs verify that when you recieve a file that that person was going to send
you one. If not send an email asking if they sent an attachment at any time.

Most of the newer viruses will us random headers, to spoof you into thinking
that it
is from someone that you know to get you to open the file. I Love You, Klez and
bigbear are like that.

Also do a lockdown on your system. Don't let EXE, SCR, etc files automatically
execute in a email program. About 80% of viruses are nuisenses, the remaining
are
not. But they are all easy to deal with if you take basic precautions.

BTW, the big GEDCOM email measage I got had Myrnices name on it, just as a point
of order that it randomizes it.

Another way to help kill these things is to ask the ISP to install Virus
scanning software
on the email servers. 95% of these virus issues would be killed if the ISP did
some
of the filtering.

Because of the way Roots Web is set up, It is almost impossible for a Virus
email to
show up on the group. (I would say impossible but when I say that some
programmer
will figure out a way to do it)

This is a Fight with the virus writers. MS being on 95% of the desktops in the
world
is a VERY attractive target. But for those that think that Apple or Linux is
safe from
these attacks would be VERY wrong in the assessment.

Which has become evident, as MS has plugged more and more holes in the system
hackers are starting to attack vulnability.

As in Sex, the only safe sex is Abstinance. if you don't ever want to have to
worry about
viruses, don't connect to the internet. But if you do learn the safe practices.
keep your
system updated, and use antivirus software and if you are on a always on
connection.
PLEASE PLEASE use a firewall, preferably a Hardware version.

Douglas


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