This is on the front page of the NY Times today:
"As a computer virus named SoBigF swamped email inboxes, wreaking havoc
on individual PC's and corporate computer systems, computer security
experts around the world spent a tense day trying to stop a more
potentially serious electronic time bomb from going off: SoBig carries
an attachment that, if opened, instructs the infected computer to
communicate with 20 host PC's that, most likely unknown to their owners,
were planted with a mystery program. But the experts did not know what
would then happen to the infected machines, or what instructions they
would be given....."
The article goes on to say they identified 17 of the computers and
Norton says the other three just direct people to a porn website.
I know some of you out there are infected with this virus/worm because I
am still getting infected mail...with various list names and even
getting some with my own email address. So, they are coming from people
who belong to some of the lists I manage or post to and you have the
lists' addresses and my address in your address book. Some address
books, by default, collect all emails addressed from each and every
email that is sent....so maybe it would be good if you look in your mail
programs utilities and change that feature so only addresses you wanted
added to the book go into it.
I suggest everyone who receives this email, immediate scan their
computer for viruses and/or worms. If you can't afford to buy and
subscribe to an updated program, there are free services on line. If
you want to take advantage of the wonderful benefits of genealogy
mailing lists, then take the responsibility that goes along with them
and get virus protection.
If you got this virus it is for one main reason...you opened an
attachment. Well, you were lucky this time around...the next time it
might get all your banking info and credit card info and then you will
be in a financial mess. Or it might disable your computer for good. So
remember..don't open attachments you don't know anything about, even
they came to you from you best friend or relative and GET virus protection.
If you need help, don't hesitate to email me off list. I will be in PA
for the next two weeks and on my laptop fairly regular now that all the
sightseeing is done for a while and I don't have to pay for each minute
on line.
--
Pat Connors, visiting Glen Mills PA, listowner
Professional Genealogy Researcher
http://www.connorsgenealogy.com
All outgoing mail virus free.
Scanned by Norton 2002.