Protect Yourself Against Viruses and Worms

A new breed of viruses is rapidly spreading across the Internet. Many of these viruses and worms appear as deceptively-innocent e-mails, which accounts for their rapid spread. In addition to the damage they do to individual computers and networks, they also overload mail servers and networks, which can cause delays and other problem with normal e-mail delivery. You can protect yourself (and the rest of the Internet community) by following a few simple rules:

• NEVER open any file attached to an e-mail from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source.
• NEVER open any file attached to an e-mail unless you know exactly what it is even if it appears to come from a friend or someone you know.
• Install and run a good anti-virus software, and update the anti-virus files regularly.
• Make sure that your e-mail client is up-to-date and set to high security.
• Make sure that your operating system is regularly updated.
• Avoid downloading files you can't be sure are safe. This includes freeware, screensavers, games, and any other executable program. Scan the programs that you do download with your anti-virus software before executing or installing them.

Three of the more common worms in current circulation are the W32.Mimail.A@mm worm, the W32.Dumaru@mm worm, and the W32.Mydoom.A@mm worm. These worms are delivered with attachments and one of the following (or similar) subject lines:

• Use this patch immediately!
• Your account
• test
• hi
• hello
• Mail Delivery System
• Mail Transaction Failed
• Server Report
• Status
• Error

For more information, see the following:

• Microsoft WindowsSecurity: Protect Your PC
• Microsoft Office Update
• Apple Product Security
• Symantec Anti-Virus
• McAfee Anti-Virus
• Trend Micro Anti-Virus