[12805] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: melissa
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Wed Mar 31 20:02:47 1999
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 16:48:16 -0600
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
2 Messages, 69 Lines
*-----
From: Dan Lester <dan@84.com>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Some of our smaller libraries support public access to free web email,
>and are turning to the system office for advice on coping with the
>Melissa virus. We state the obvious: keep your antiviral software
>up-to-date, tell your patrons not to open attachments from unknown
>sources, consider dedicated email stations with no applicatoins
>software.
If you're only supporting web based email, you shouldn't have much of a
problem. Although if the machine has Word on it, it will contaminate your
Word program, but it will not replicate and send the fifty copies without
Outlook installed. According to CERT www.cert.org they clairfied that
only MS Outlook MAPI address books are involved. If someone took a Word
document home, of course, and then had Outlook on their machine there, it
could start to spread again. You can also be sure to tighten up the
security on your copies of Word so that the macros will not automatically
start.
cheers
dan
--
Good, Fast, and Cheap: Which two of the three would you like?
Dan Lester, 3577 East Pecan, Boise, ID 83716 USA 208-383-0165
dan@84.com http://www.84.com/ http://www.idaholibraries.org/
http://library.boisestate.edu/ http://www.lili.org/ http://www.postcard.org/
*-----
From: Judy Myers <jm@UH.EDU>
The problem with Melissa is that your e-mail attachment comes from someone
you know. The University of Houston Information Technology Department
issued the newly-helpful advice that if you didn't expect to receive a
particular file, it is a good idea to e-mail the sender and make sure the
person you know actually sent the particular file.
At 02:43 PM 3/30/99 -0600, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Some of our smaller libraries support public access to free web email,
>and are turning to the system office for advice on coping with the
>Melissa virus. We state the obvious: keep your antiviral software
>up-to-date, tell your patrons not to open attachments from unknown
>sources, consider dedicated email stations with no applicatoins
>software.
>
>How are others of you who support public access email protecting and
>educating against viruses?
>
>Betsy Morris
>Pioneer Library System
>Canandaigua, NY
>
Judy E. Myers jm@uh.edu
Assistant to the Dean of Libraries 713/743-9805 (voice)
University of Houston Libraries 713/743-9811 (fax)
Houston, TX 77204-2091
