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Virus Level

Microsoft Windows Security Paper

Here is a simple check list of items to help you quickly close holes and secure your computer from recurring virus attacks often propegated as SPAM in an attempt to fool you into opening an attachment. Some viruses self-propegate on the Internet. It is very important to apply Microsoft patches.

1. A Virus Security Program that is running DAILY AUTOMATIC UPDATES from a major manufacturer. Check to make sure that it is indeed updating daily.

2. GO TO CONTROL PANEL, Select Internet Options and then Select Security tab and then "Custom Level" button. This will bring up a list you can fine tune. You can set to "prompt" or "disable" the many scripting technologies listed.
These settings control IE (Internet Explorer web browser) and Outlook and Outlook Express. They can always be retuned or set back to default at any time and do not require a reboot.

3. Apply the patches as needed at IAC MS Patch Resource Page or visit Microsoft website directly at Microsoft.com. The first two are highly recommended and the third if using Outlook Express.

4. TRUST NOTHING THAT COMES THROUGH EMAIL.

Technical Jargon:

Viruses
All viruses are intelligent enough to invade your computer network (LAN) through shared drives All it takes is one unprotected machine or person opening infected attachments in Hotmail account and the whole network is compromised.

Many Viruses come through email trying to trick you into opening or replying with valuable credentials. Fleet Bank has had this done to them.

Many Viruses roam the Internet at will not needing you to be in Outlook or any program whatsoever. Be sure to patch your operating system and check back here regularly for latest patches that you need for Microsoft Windows.

Worm: A virus that if given the opportunity to run on the target machine will install itself and do (deliver its payload) whatever it was designed to do. Some viruses are intelligent enough to randomize whatever they are up to. Some machines could be used to primarily infect others. Recent attacks have targeted Microsoft Outlook's address books (Melissa, Loveletter) as the vehicle of choice.

Trojan: A virus that attaches itself to some other executable program and runs whenever that program is run.

Payload: What the virus drops i.e. the bomb. Infect other machines, wipe hard disk, rename files, etc.

Hole or Backdoor: A problem with some program or application that allows some means of entry through some programmatic Interface.

Macro: A Trojan that refers to a Virus that attaches itself to a frequently run sub-program such as an Excel macro. The virus subsequently gets onto every file saved that runs the macro thus being difficult to fully remove

Boot Sector or "Partition": A Virus that inserts itself into the section of hard disk used to access files when the machine turns on. Many BIOS's are starting to incorporate Boot-Sector protection.