1.
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.
2.
When possible, avoid e-mail attachments both when sending and
receiving e-mail.
3.
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).
4.
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.
5.
Never open attachments with double file extensions such as
NAME.BMP.EXE or NAME.TXT.VBS
6. 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.
7.
Disconnect your network or modem cable when you're not using your
computer - or just power it down.
8. 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.
9.
When you receive e-mail advertisements or other unsolicited
e-mail, do not open attachments in them or follow web links
quoted in them.
10.
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.
11.
Do not trust the icons of attachment file. Worms often send
executable files which have an icon resembling icons of picture,
text or archive files - to fool the user.
12.
Never accept attachments from strangers in online chat systems
such as IRC, ICQ or AOL Instant Messenger.
13.
Avoid downloading files from public newsgroups (Usenet news).
These are often used by virus writers to distribute their new
viruses.
