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- Please protect your own computer and
those of your friends and acquaintances by using an anti-virus program on your
computer, and keeping it updated. New viruses appear quickly, and spread
through unprotected computers, usually without the knowledge of the computer
owner.
- Recent versions forge the
"from" line to one of the addresses in the infected computer, so it
appears to be coming from someone else's computer or even yours. It might also
appear to be a "bounced" message from a postmaster, saying you sent
it out, and it couldn't be delivered. It could also appear to be a message from
your Internet Service Provider, saying there is a problem with your account or
your email.
- Many message sent "from" financial
institutions are an attempt to get your login and password. DO NOT click on
links in these emails. Instead, type the email address of your bank's website
into your browser. These messages are often referred to as
"phishing". Few banks actually email their clients, instead they have
messages on their websites both before login (general) and after
(personalized).
- We recommend NEVER opening an attachment unless you
have specifically asked for a file, unless you know what it is and why you are
receiving it. Most of the viruses these days spread through the virus sending
copies of itself to everyone in your address book, and are especially directed
at attacking through Outlook or Outlook Express. Most people affected have no
idea that their computer is spreading the virus to their friends, who think
it's safe to open an attachment coming from someone they know.
- Please note that few people are aware that spyware
is as much a danger to your computer as viruses. Please see our
Internet security summary for
information on controlling spyware.
Virus Information
- Feb/06 Kama Sutra virus/worm to attack Feb 3rd -
This is a real risk that could cause your data files on your computer's hard
drive (word processing files, spreadsheet files, etc) to be destroyed. Please
be sure your antivirus and anti-spyware programs are up to date, and that your
important data is backed up. The details are available from CNN at
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/internet/01/31/kamasutraworm/index.html
- Thousands of recalled Sony CDs sold in Canada 19
Nov 2005 (CBC News) About 120,000 recalled Sony BMG CDs that create security
glitches were sold in Canada, the company said Friday. The discs contain XCP
software, which is used to stop music piracy. But it leaves behind spyware,
making computers that play the disc susceptible to hackers and viruses. The
company has not said which performers' albums are affected. However, it does
say 37 titles are involved and a list will be posted on Sony BMG's website at
http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp on or before Nov 21/05.
- Jun/04 - New virus targeting bank accounts, credit
cards on Net A new Internet virus targeting bank accounts and credit cards
bears a striking resemblance to the Sasser worm that disabled millions of
systems worldwide last month. The new Korgo virus exploited security loopholes
in the Microsoft operating system Windows. Like Sasser, Korgo does not require
to users to open an e-mail to unleash its destructive capability but can attack
anyone connected to the Internet, and primarily seeks out online banking
passwords and credit card numbers. Affected users should change all their
passwords and consider cancelling their credit cards. The virus has attacked
Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP. Microsoft has uploaded protection
"patches" to shield computers against Korgo.
- Mar/04 DO NOT open messages saying your email has
been disabled. A variant worm found March 3rd is already fooling people all
over the world. Do not get fooled by the latest e-mail worm's tricks!
W32.Beagle.K@mm is a very widely distributed e-mail that sends messages that
look very much like an administrative message from your mail server. This
affects Microsoft Windows (95, 98, NT, 2000, XP, Me, & 2003 Server) users.
The threat is at a level 2 and has a very high distribution rating. More
details are available at
www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.beagle.k@mm.html
Antivirus Programs
- Everyone should have a good anti-virus program on
their computer, and update it regularly! There are several sources of free
anti-virus programs online. One good one is
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ - register and
you will receive a link by email to download the program, then after you
download, you will receive an email with your serial number (needed to install
the program). It will start off by scanning your computer for viruses. Please
update it daily, before you download your email. :) (NOTE: Anyone using version
6 must upgrade to version 7 by Dec 31/04 to continue using the program.)
- You can also do an online scan of your computer at
http://www.antivirus.com/free_tools/. This only works when
connected to the Internet, of course. Please don't depend on this as your only
virus defense. We have seen it miss virus infections.
- Another excellent program is available for about $30 US
per year, from Computer Associates - My-eTrust.com at
http://www.my-etrust.com/
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