Computer Virus Issues
Antivirus Guidelines - Protecting yourself and your data
Never run an executable from someone you don't know.
Be sure you have a virus scanner installed on your computer.
Familiarize yourself with its workings. It is likely that you willneed it unexpectedly.
Always keep the virus scanner's signature files up to date.
Links
Command's Info Pages
SARC (Symantec Antivirus Research Center)
AVERT Labs
AVP Antivirus Encyclopedia
VIL Virus Information Library, hosted by McAfee
Datafellows
Trend Micro
Virus Hoaxes
VIRUS HOAX WARNINGS
Virus hoax warnings are often perpetrated by the type of people who would
like to spread the same kind of misfortune that virus writers propogate,
but don't know how to write viruses. Malicious people who do not know how
to write viruses often start these false warnings and use innocent
well-intentioned folks to spread their rumors. Such messages can often be
identified by certain signs.
Look for some of the following:
A generally hysterical tone with lots of emphatics.
Blocks of capital letters and a lot of "!" symbols.
Suggestions that you should send the message on to as many people as
possible as quickly as possible (before stopping to think).
Mention of announcement from Microsoft (Microsoft does not issue virus
alerts.)
Claims that e'mail letters can be tracked, along with encouragement to
participate in chain mail.
Claims that forwarding a message can bring money or luck to the sender
or anyone else.
If you see a message with any of these signs, chances are it is a hoax.
Don't fall for it, don't pass it on to others and don't worry. Just delete
it!
Don't fall for it, don't pass it on to others and don't worry. Just delete
it!
Links
For more detailed information concerning virus warning hoaxes:
These sites contain information on the nature of virus hoaxes and a list
of known hoaxes.
Datafellows Virus & Security Info.
Symantec
Urban Legends
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Posted 5/8/00
Update 10/2/00