intelliLinux A blog about Innovation and Information

Earlier today my wife got an email claiming to be a warning about a big virus claimed to be "the worst ever."

I've done some research and you should be aware that this notice is a hoax and is in fact a copy of a much older hoax from a few years ago. more information about this particular hoax is at about.com's urban legend section - http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_postcard_virus.htm.

The reason I was initially suspicious about this is that (1) usually viruses like this spread fast enough that an email like this would not ever precede them, and (2) the terminology used in the email is not at all precise or accurate. also, i am usually wary of email, especially forwards, that include lots of exclamation points :)

Now, even though this IS a hoax, there are actual viruses out there that are distributed through email pretending to be from a legitimate source. There are a few steps you can take to make sure you don't get infected with any sort of virus:

1. make sure you have UP TO DATE virus software installed. a copy of mcafee or norton antivirus that expired 6 months ago is not good enough! if in doubt, install a free virus scanner from:
   • Grisoft AVG Free - an excellent free for home use virus scanner: http://free.avg.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
   • Avast! Home Edition - excellent virus scanner that is also very light on system resources: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
2. make sure you have all the latest updates to your operating system:
   • for windows: go to http://www.update.microsoft.com using Internet Explorer and install all recommended updates. This will ensure you are protected against already known security vulnerabilities.
   • for mac: go to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338?viewlocale=en_US and follow the instructions. you can download individual updates from http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/
3. use a firewall. This protects you against another type of virus known as a worm. These viruses don't need your interaction to infect your computer. to make sure you are protected:
   • for Windows XP: windows XP includes a firewall since service pack 2. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/winfirewall.mspx and follow the instructions.
   • for Windows Vista includes a firewall: go to http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/bfe523a9-7eec-4d3f-add1-2f68b9cfa1c01033.mspx and follow the instructions for enabling the firewall.
   • for mac: you need 10.5 (Leopard) or better. Go to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1810 and follow the instructions to make sure your firewall is enabled.
4. exercise smart web usage techniques:
   • Read up! there is a lot of information out there on avoiding viruses and malignant software disguised as something else - usually known as a Trojan - here is just one example:
     • http://www.ofzenandcomputing.com/zanswers/920
   • The other biggest threat out there if you are following the above practices is phishing attacks - these involve people trying to trick you out of sensitive information. One well known example of this is the Nigerian scam. in this scam you usually get an email from someone claiming to be an important person from another country who needs help transferring lots of money into the US. for your help - and the use of your bank account - they promise you some large percentage. Some initial information to help you discover these is available from Sophos:
     • http://www.sophos.com/security/best-practice/phishing.html

Feel free to pass this information along, anyone who is not familiar with computer security can probably benefit!