Focus On: Viruses

Although Microsoft has moved on, the world is full of Windows NT 4.0 servers, still chugging along. Problem is, many are chugging along due to budget constraints, which often means they are running without any protection from trojans, worms and other malware. Email Battles melded the best freeware anti-virus projects that run on NT 4.0 servers into one coordinated toolkit that, so far, has evaded NT's infamous Blue Screen of Death.

Microsoft provided a patch to prevent WMF exploits from hurting Windows XP, 2000 and 2003 systems, but left its Windows 98 and ME customers in the lurch. Luckily a well-known Windows expert is busy preparing to clean up after Microsoft... again.

What should you do when Google responds to your search query with, "A computer virus or spyware application is sending us automated requests, and it appears that your computer or network has been infected?" Email Battles suggests that you do nothing. Nothing at all. You have probably been blacklisted... for awhile.

Most virus scanners can't detect rootkits, fail the Magic Byte Floating Header test, and/or sport other well-documented vulnerabilities. You can be penetrated. Email Battles names names, then tells you what you can do about it.

Wondering what to do with that Christmas card attachment? Hackers thought you might. Delete it. And don't send them either. Bad form. Sorry. See Also:Christmas Message: Don't Open That E-Card; Email Battles; 15 December 2004.Don't open that AOL IM Christmas card; Email Battles; 7 December 2005.E-Greeting Cards Hide Bombs; Email Battles; 15 October 2003.Spam Filters Mangle Christmas Cards; Email Battles; 9 December 2005.See for yourself at This Is London.