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.
When possible, avoid e-mail
attachments both when sending and receiving e-mail.
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).
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.
Never open attachments with
double file extensions such as NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS
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.
Disconnect your network, DSL
or cable modem when you're not using your computer - or just power it down.
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.
If the sender is local, check via a phone cal or send a separate e-mail asking
for confirmation that the questionable e-mail is legitimate.
When you receive e-mail advertisements
or other unsolicited e-mail, do not open attachments in them or follow web
links quoted in them.
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.
Do not trust the icons of attachment
files. Worms often send executable files which have an icon resembling icons
of a picture, text or archive files - to fool the user.
Never accept attachments from
strangers in online chat systems such as IRC, ICQ or AOL Instant Messenger.
Avoid downloading files from
public newsgroups (Usenet news). These are often used by virus writers to
distribute their new viruses.
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