Klarinet Archive - Posting 000299.txt from 2001/12

From: "Mark Charette" <charette@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] virus warning (and moan)
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 11:54:19 -0500

> From: George Kidder [mailto:gkidder@-----.org]
> This might just be the most significant single thing you could
> do, as most
> of the baddies are directed at Outlook macros.

I use Outlook & Outlook Express pretty much exclusively for a number of
reasons (business related, besides the fact that it does what it's supposed
to do pretty well). I have yet to have a virus disable anything on any of my
machines, but I am particularly cautious (I run IMAP, I have preview
disabled in Outlook on non-filtered mail, and I have my anti-virus software
scanning _everything_ I open). The machine _has_ halted dead in its tracks
because of a virus triggering the anti-virus software.

It doesn't matter what machine you use - it is cheaper to be pro-actively
defensive than it is to recover after an attack.

You all _do_ have complete backups of your systems, too, don't you? A
question especially for those of you that run businesses off of your
computers: How much will it cost you to replace all that data on your
computer if it gets wiped out? How much will the loss of customer good will
cost you? Will people trust communicating with you for business level if you
send then a virus by accident? A worm or virus can get in even if your
business computer is isolated from the Internet - you're most probably going
to have to read a floppy or CDROM from a customer or supplier someday, and
"whoop, there it is ...".

I'd love to come and visit with all of you and get your computers secured,
but unfortunately I'd have to fly in and bill you for my time ;^)

Mark C.

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