VIRUS INFO

Two anti-virus sites: Sophos
Symantec (Norton AV).

Incidentally, once you have a name, either is the place to check its details (incl. whether it really is a virus). Panicky rumours are almost as disruptive as the real thing.

Percentages here.

Security stats (including a password tester)

RECOMMENDATIONS (commendations only due when you act on one):

1. To reduce vulnerability:

a)
b)

Trade-in your PC for a Mac^*
Failing this, update your vulnerable vehicles with the mods ('patches') prompted by previous onslaughts. See <http://catchup.cnet.com/?tag=st.cu.cu_secl.txt.cu_fd>
make sure (in 'Tools / Options' ...
... / Extra Warnings:) 'Launch a program from a message' box is checked;
... / Viewing Mail:) 'Allow executables in HTML content' box is unchecked.

2. To reduce likelihood of contaminating others:

a)
b)

Get rid of Outlook Express (adopt an alternative, such as Eudora* or a Web-based emailer);
Trash your address-book. Current Eudora remembers (and prompts you with a menu of) all the addresses you've used;

3. To at least get a warning,
a postiori:

Add a meaningful 'dummy' address to your address-book (eg, <ALERT@auto-broadcast.com> which will generate an 'unable to deliver' after-the-event alert when a virus has propagated to all those on your address-list. At least you can then warn them what has happened (if not admit culpability, because you didn't accept prior recommendation).

Or here, for a more professional set of recommendations.

Bait for spam-spiders

^*President of ACTApple Users' Gp cited that of some 33,000 marauding viruses only 33 target Macs -- and none in the past 3yrs. Apples a hard nut to crack?

Page last updated 22/6/04