security basics

November 30, 2003 &bull technology

I posted some stuff in a few Microsoft newsgroups a couple weeks ago and, although I’m not positive this was the cause, it seems like ever since I’ve been getting TONS of virus-laden e-mails, all claiming to be from “Microsoft Security.” They even contain nice MS-like headers — all designed to trick me into running the attachment in order to protect myself from “the latest Windows security breach.” All these e-mails made me remember how many e-mail-borne viruses are out there. I don’t want to insult anyone’s intelligence, but I think there’s a few people who visit this site who really don’t think too much about computer security. Since these are the people who are most likely hit with this type of attack, I thought it would be good to reiterate five basic security points regarding e-mail attachments.

1. Microsoft NEVER sends security and/or bug hotfixes via e-mail. If you get an attachment that appears to be from Microsoft, delete it.

2. If you get an attachment from someone you don’t know, delete it.

3. If you get an attachment from someone you know, but it looks weird or you aren’t sure what it is, delete it.

4. If you are using a Windows OS, run Windows Update frequently and install all of the “critical updates.” If you need help with this or if you would like to configure your system to do this for you automatically (so you don’t have to remember) e-mail me and I’ll help you out.

5. Use antivirus software and keep the virus definitions up-to-date. Norton Antivirus and McAfee VirusScan are both good choices.

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