If the e-mail client is able (and enabled) to show web-like content (ie
html) then it is possible for the body of the e-mail to contain a virus,
within the e-mail itself, or in a java applet or anything else attached to
the e-mail.
The safest option is to never open anything you're even half unsure about.
These "Melissa" style viruses make things a bit more difficult, as they are
sent from someone you know. Ergo if my mum gets an e-mail from me entitles
"ILOVEYOU" she'll probably open it (after thinking I've gone a bit soft in
the head).
There is further speculation that denial of service attacks can be caused by
opposing companies/governments etc, in order to shut down or cause aggro, to
the competition. Surely not?
Andy
-----Original Message-----
From: Bowen, Patrick A RP2 [mailto:PABowen@sar.med.navy.mil]
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2000 10:29 AM
To: 'spitfires@autox.team.net'
Subject: FW: Virus warning - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VIRUS
Actually Dave, until about 4 months or so ago that was true. Not that I am
an authority but there was a company I read about that had created a program
that would actually allow that to happen. Obviously that was not the intent
of the software, but it was a uncontrollable by product. Anyone out there
know what I am talking about??
Patrick Bowen
-----Original Message-----
From: David Moag [mailto:moag@ix.netcom.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 9:52 PM
To: Dana Scott; spitfires@autox.team.net
Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: RE: Virus warning - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VIRUS
Dana,
As far as I know, NO VIRUS has ever been able to be activated by just being
in the main body of an email, and hence preview panes or even opening the
main email is not the problem. They are all activated when the attachment is
opened (that's the only time they can actually be executed on your computer,
which is necessary in order for their code to be run).
I received on of these last night from an unknown name and deleted it
without opening the attachment (I basically assumed it was going to be some
porn site add). I received another one this morning from an extremely pretty
girl I know -- I certainly WOULD have opened that one if I had not heard all
the warnings. By coincidence (or dumb luck) I also backed up my whole
computer for the first time in ages when I got up this morning.
Dave Moag
62 TR3B
77 Spitfire
La Canada, CA
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net
> [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Dana Scott
> Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 6:40 PM
> To: Jeff McNeal; Gascoigne, Andy; 'Richard Bonilla / Colorado'; Barry
> Schwartz; spitfires@autox.team.net
> Cc: triumphs@autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: Virus warning - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VIRUS
>
>
>
> Remember all that this virus doesn't have to come from someone you don't
> know as it works its way through your email address book. So, if someone
> you know opened it, and in this case it was the attachment that had the
> virus so they'd have to open it too, the virus would then send itself out
> from them. You, recognizing the senders name might open it and then the
> attachment and bingo! You've got it and it starts sending emails
> to all in
> YOUR address book, and so-on.
>
> It was almost humorous watching all the emails come in today with the "I
> Love You" subject. Depending on your email server and how your
> address book
> was set up, you could send multiple copies to your friends. I
> received 6-7
> from one source. Of course, I deleted them all before opening them.
>
> This then is also a good reason to NOT use the preview pane in your email
> program. I you did, it would open it. This time, no damage
> done. But next
> time, it could be in the body of the main message. Bummer. You're done
> for.
>
> So, BE AWARE!
>
> Dana
> CF9690UO
> Former Network Administrator (nope, not because of something like
> this) <g>
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