[pct-l] email worm

[tangent at meinfelder.com (Tangent)]

At 06:07 PM 3/3/2004 +0000, pct2003@attglobal.net wrote:
>As long as the subject has been raised, here are
>some other steps that Windows PC users can take
>to avoid being nuisances to other pct-l members

I hate to recommend "Don't do XXX with your computer." Computer Security 
should not be about not using your computer, but being able to reliably do 
what you want with your computer. The first step towards reliable use 
should be backing up critical data on your computer. If your critical data 
is redundantly stored, you will always be able to get your work done. Steps 
after this should be to minimize time lost, such as running virus & spyware 
scanners and playing safe in way you are comfortable.

Another odd computer security faux pass typical of corporate environments 
is placing confidentiality of information before reliable use. So many 
places have firewalls, but very few have reliable backup processes. Which 
brings us back to the question, what good are computers if you can not get 
work done? After losing data in tightly secured environment, the irony is 
more than a little annoying.

Most of the viruses today are not easily avoided. Viruses tend to prey on 
what makes us human. The instinct you have to hold a locked door open for 
the next person about to come through is an example of what virus writers 
are exploiting. True, much software by Microsoft is a security nightmare, 
but this is not a list of computer experts, telling a large group of people 
who have their current software packages to change -- even if the reasons 
are good -- is unrealistic.

My suggestions:

Backup all the data you can not afford to lose
Run a virus scanner and spyware scanner able to update via the Internet
Download security patches for your operating system and software packages
Relax and do not be afraid of the computer

Yes, it was annoying to receive a virus, but after I updated my virus 
definitions, the third copy of the worm was caught before landing in my in 
box. No harm was done.

Tangent