BerksFHS Discussion List details

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BerksFHS
Discussion List Security Precautions

Instructions
Advice
Etiquette

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SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

System Security Updates, Virus, Anti-Virus Software, Virus Hoax, Spoof Update Messages, Firewall Software

This advice will help protect you from getting infected with a virus which could pass itself to others on the List

     SYSTEM SECURITY UPDATES Ensure that you have downloaded all necessary system security updates. This is usually done automatically with modern systems such as Windows XP.

     VIRUS Viruses are potentially a very serious threat to every user of eMail or the Internet. They may come as attachments to an eMail message or even as a link in a message. Never, NEVER click on an attachment to open it or click on a link to a website usless you are sure it is genuine. For instance, eMails purporting to come from Microsoft announcing their latest 'cumulative' update are NOT genuine! Nor are those asking you to confirm your banking details. The latest information on viruses from Sophos can be accessed from www.berksfhs.org.uk/virusinfo.htm

     ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE Please, for your own security and other members of the List, use an anti-virus program and ensure updates are downloaded regularly.

     VIRUS HOAX Most messages purporting to warn of viruses are 'hoaxes'. Never pass these messages to others and certainly NOT to everybody in your address book. Check the hoax informaion provided by Sophos at www.berksfhs.org.uk/virusinfo.htm BEFORE taking any action suggested in an unexpected eMail message.
For instance messages suggesting that jdbgmgr.exe (a genuine Windows system file) should be deleted is an hoax.
The Listowner will advise on whether or not a warning you have received is an hoax.

     SPOOF UPDATE MESSAGES Never click on any links in messages claiming to give an 'update' for your operating system. These will probably attempt to infect your computer with a virus. This applies even if the message claims to come from Microsoft or other well known software houses. Microsoft and other Software Houses do NOT promulgate this sort of information.

     FIREWALL SOFTWARE Please protect your computer against hackers by using a Firewall. ZoneAlarm is free and can be downloaded from http://www.zonelabs.com. Whilst connected to the internet you can expect many illegal attempts per hour to access your computer; some will be attempting to access your personal data.

Eddie

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updated 19th October 2004