| SECURITY
FIRST
THINGS
YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FIREHOUSE NETWORKS: First,
we always maintain a backup. If a computer has been compromised
it may be necessary to reinstall or restore the operating
system and all the applications to ensure that the Trojan
(virus) is not hiding somewhere. We have to remember that
these are created to be elusive.
ADVICE:
Anti-virus software is a must have for anyone. Once
you have the software, REMEMBER to update it and CONTINUE
to keep it up-to-date for it to be effective. Without
the update it is only effective to the date the software was
published. It will not detect any viruses that were discovered
after that time.
KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN USE
Can
you spot a virus hoax? Or any other chain e-mail hoax ?
You
got a warning (perhaps from someone you know) about a new
virus. What do you do now? First thing to remember is, DO
NOT forward the warning. If it's NOT from your internal
technical support, most likely a hoax or is an out dated
warning. (Your Internal tech support may issue a warning
to your organization about an ‘internal' potential
virus threat.) Some of these false "warnings"
have been circling the Internet for years.
You
shouldn't be getting virus warnings unless you subscribe
to them. There can be many viruses popping up each day.
Forwarding a warning to everyone in your address book just
creates unnecessary ‘junk' mail that can circle the
Internet for years.
A
few signs that the warning may be a hoax:
-
It states that you should forward or send this message
to everyone you know or care about.
-
IBM®, Microsoft®,
COREL™ or some other large organization issued
the message.
(They don't issue virus warnings through e-mail to the
general public.) If such a need should arise they will
be issued more directly though the media like TV, Radio
and newspapers.
-
If it claims that a company will give you some money
for everyone you forward this message to.
(Nice thought, but not likely.)
-
If it asks you to delete a file on your computer because
it may be infected. (Let
your anti-virus decide that.)
What
to do if someone sends you such a message?
Don't get angry. Try to educate them about this to put a
stop to these messages.
To investigate whether or not the e-mail is an actual HOAX here are some websites to look at:
Hoax Busters
McAfee Virus Definitions
Symantec Hoax List
Snopes Urban Legends
Or you can e-mail it to your Firehouse Networks Consultant, who will verify whether or not it is legitimate.
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