Greetings:
Please DO *NOT* REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE in any way that will cause the reply
to go to the list. We want to stick to genealogy as much as possible on the
list, not get sidetracked. For further information, contact me PRIVATELY.
Better yet, check your online antivirus resources.
Please DO *NOT* REPORT VIRUS ACTIVITY to the list under any circumstances.
Contact me personally. I will deal with the situation as circumstances warrant.
I am loathe to give out virus warnings, for all sorts of reasons. However,
there is a new strain of a virus (actually a worm, for the technically
minded) that can *APPEAR* to be closely connected to a mailing list. It is
called BadTrans.B and I have received three copies of it just this
afternoon (none from an address related to a list I admin, by the way).
Here is how to recognize it:
1. The "from" address begins with an underscore or space, e.g.
"_address(a)domain.net" or " address(a)domain.net"
but is otherwise an address you might recognize as
genuine.
2. The "subject" is taken from a message you sent to either an
individual or a mailing list.
3. There is no *visible* content or attachment.
Here is what to do:
1. Make sure you have updated your antivirus *software* since
November 25, 2001.**
2. Make sure you have updated your antivirus *definitions*
since November 25, 2001.**
3. Make sure you are running your antivirus software at all
times. This used to be optional, a matter of personal
preference. It is no longer either, for responsible
netizens.
4. Do *NOT* send a warning to the list. If you believe it
might be helpful, send me a message *privately*.
**Note: if you have an automatic update function in your
antivirus program, it will take care of all this for you.
No virus is currently capable of passing through a RootsWeb list. However,
BadTrans.B makes it *APPEAR* that this is happening, and uses list messages
as a source for new targets. Therefore, as list admin I need to act in
certain situations. Here is what I will do if a subscriber to one of my
lists appears to be infected:
1. I will unsubscribe the address and block resubscription.
2. I will contact the infected subscriber to explain what
has been done and to offer assistance.
3. On reasonable assurance from the subscriber that the bug
has been cleaned from the subscriber's PC, I will
allow resubscription.
Remember, infected subscribers are victims, not evil people. However, with
reasonable precautions taken we can all help to limit the spread of such bugs.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Darrell
LIST admin for VTGEN, VTCALEDO, VTLAMOIL, VTORANGE, VTWINDSO, MANORFOL,
F.ELCH, F.ORBUSH, G.ARDNER, H.ARTWELL, H.ULBERT, L.AMSON, L.OWER,
N.ELSON, R.OUSSEAU, R.USSEAU -- darrellm(a)sprynet.com