Hi Folks,
I need to send out an alert to any of you out there that are running a
windows-based operating system about a virus that has been floating around
lately. This virus, called the "W32/Badtrans", sends an attachment, without
the users knowledge, which, when opened, executes several things and then
remails itself to ALL addresses contained in the users email program. That
means that if you are infected with this virus, your computer mails itself
out to every person you have received email from, sent email to, etc. Let
me emphasize that the infected person is not INTENTIONALLY sending this out,
nor are they aware that their computer is sending it out. It is the way
that the virus works. Now, you CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT, get this virus
from the list. The rootsweb system is set up so that NO attachments are
sent through the server (which includes all non-text formatted emails such
as html, etc.), BUT, because of how this virus works, you CAN get this virus
from someone PERSONALLY, off the list. As always, the best way to avoid
getting a virus is to NEVER open an attachment you receive through email,
ESPECIALLY if you are not expecting it. The second advice to follow is to
ALWAYS keep your virus software up to date (by downloading the newest
definations) and USE IT. That said, this virus IS floating around out there
and I wanted you to be aware in case (and BECAUSE for some of those
receiving this email) you should receive an unknown attachment. Now, this
topic is OFF TOPIC for this mailing list and as a result I am asking that if
you have any questions, comments, fears, etc., OR if you need help, contact
me PERSONALLY, OFFLIST, at christib(a)satx.rr.com Discussion on the list is
cause for removal. Also, as this topic is OFF TOPIC, please remember one of
the list rules which is that if you heard of a virus you want to alert the
list about, you need to contact me PERSONALLY first and we'll proceed from
there. Posting of virus warnings, etc. is not allowed. Sorry to be so
harsh, but I don't want the flaming to start just because I felt the need to
warn you about this.
For more information on this virus, how to remove it, what it is, how it
works, etc., you can visit:
The McAfee website on the subject at:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/virusSummary.asp?virus_k=99069
Or the Symantec website about it at:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.badtrans.13312@mm.html
Thanks!
Christi
Only a Genealogist regards a step backwards, as progress
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