To all Cannell List Members:
Anti-virus protection is YOUR responsibility - It is the duty of every
internet user to have adequate anti-virus protection. What you need to do is
this:
FIRST: Install a good virus protection package and check frequently for
updates provided by the manufacturer (this can be automated). Don't even
think about connecting to the internet or emailing until you have done this
(except, of course, to buy your anti-virus software). Need help on selecting
affordable anti-virus software? - There is even a rootsweb list for you!
Subscribe instuctions are at:
http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/other/Internet_Help/VIRUS-DISCUSSION.html
Remember that many free downloadable anti virus programmes will tell you if
you have a virus and tell you how to clear it, but they do not protect you
against catching one the very next time you open an attachment.
SECOND: Next time you go on-line (now would be a good time):
Download the latest security patches from Microsoft. One way of doing this
is to open Internet Explorer, then go to the Tools > Windows Update menu .
Some of you may choose to use a different email reader (e.g. Eudora,
Pegasus) or a different operating system (e.g. Linux).
THIRD: About attachments...
SENDING attachments to individuals - Don't send attachments to individuals
without asking or warning them first. Ask what format they prefer. (Word,
plain text, etc).
READING Attachments - don't open suspicious email attachments or suspicious
messages. To be sure, check with the sender that the message is genuine.
Please contact the sender directly not via the list.
FAMILIARITY - don't think 'I know who so and so is; they've sent me lots of
helpful information in the past - they wouldn't send me a virus!" WRONG!
They might. They won't be doing it on purpose, but their computer will be
busily working through either their email address book or their unread
messages (depending on the sort of virus it is) and sending all their
friends and regulalry contacts virus attachments! An awful lot of people
have been caught out this way.
This virus is also embedding itself in a sound file so be extra careful.
FINALLY - If you do none of the above - do you feel lucky?
FINALLY, FINALLY - This virus is not the responsibility of Rootsweb. Once
rootsweb has passed the list messages over to your ISP it can do nothing
more. Once your ISP has delivered the messages to your in-box, they are YOUR
responsibility. Only you can open them and Rootsweb has no power or control
over the contents of your personal mail box! The virus responds to ALL
unread email not just list mail - though of course list mail is more likely
to be left unread than personal email.
Donna King
Cannell List Manager