|
1. Most of the
worms which use e-mail to propagate use Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express
to spread. If you need to use Outlook, download and install the latest
Outlook security patch from Microsoft. In general, keep your operating
system and applications up-to-date and apply the latest patches when they
become available. Be sure to get the updates directly from the vendor.
2. When
possible, avoid e-mail attachments both when sending and receiving
e-mail.
3. Configure
Windows to always show file extensions. In Windows 2000, this is done
through Explorer via the Tools menu: Tools/Folder Options/View - and uncheck
"Hide file extensions for known file types". This makes it more difficult to
for a harmful file (such as an EXE or VBS) to masquerade as a harmless file
(such as TXT or JPG).
4. Never open
e-mail attachments with the file extensions VBS, SHS or PIF. These
extensions are almost never used in normal attachments but they are
frequently used by viruses and worms.
5. Never open
attachments with double file extensions such as NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS
6. Do not share
your folders with other users unless necessary. If you do, make sure you do
not share your full drive or your Windows directory.
7. Disconnect
your network or modem cable when you're not using your computer - or just
power it down.
8. If you feel
that an e-mail you get from a friend is somehow strange - if it is in a
foreign language or if it just says odd things, double-check with the friend
before opening any attachments.
9. When you
receive e-mail advertisements or other unsolicited e-mail, do not open
attachments in them or follow web links quoted in them.
10. Avoid
attachments with sexual filenames. E-mail worms often use attachments with
names like PORNO.EXE or PAMELA_NUDE.VBS to lure users into executing them.
11. Do not trust
the icons of attachment file. Worms often send executable files which have
an icon resembling icons of picture, text or archive files - to fool the
user.
12. Never accept
attachments from strangers in online chat systems such as IRC, ICQ or AOL
Instant Messenger.
13. Avoid
downloading files from public newsgroups (Usenet news). These are often used
by virus writers to distribute their new viruses.
Following the above
guidelines should help. |
