posted on December 28, 2000 06:22:10 AM new
I'm curious as to whether any of you
have any insight into this email I received.
After informing a high bidder, I received
an email back that a virus had been detected
in my email and that the recipient would have
been in big trouble without their viral
scanning software. I subsequently scanned
my hard drive with my viral detection
software and no evidence of a virus What's going on? Should I be afraid to send email?
I was always under the impression that a
virus couldn't be transmitted unless an
attachment was opened.
posted on December 28, 2000 07:08:56 AM new
kristie, this has happened to me on two occasions.
Once it was a deadbeat who used it as an excuse not to answer further emails.
The second time, however, was different. I use Eudora email, and all of my mail comes in as plain text. This means that even when a virus is sent to me, the code does not execute and my computer is not infected. (The same would be true if you received a PC-specific virus on a Mac or WebTV.)
I sent my usual end-of-auction notice to the bidder, who replied with her name and address and payment information. This email from her carried the KAK virus, but I didn't notice it. When I received her payment, I opened that email from her, hit "Reply," and let her know that I was shipping her item. This, in turn, sent the KAK virus back to her.
In the meantime, her husband had found the virus and cleaned up the computer, so I did, actually, reinfect her.
posted on December 28, 2000 07:14:00 AM new
Resend your email via the "Email this auction..." link on the listing page. Since this isn't sent directly from your computer, using your email client, the virus can't attach itself to the email. If you get the same response, then you'll know the bidder is feeding you a line.
posted on December 28, 2000 07:16:05 AM new
I Wouldnt worry about it Inless your email had an attachment or Java or some other Programing or word document you more then likely didnt send them a virus of anytype.
What I would do is up date your virus program if you havent allready just incase BUt chances are if the other person did have a virus they dont know where or who it came from. http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
posted on December 28, 2000 07:44:37 AM new
Silkmoth, I just wanted to thank
you for recommending that viral
scanning site. I used it and the
scan picked up three files infected
with KAK virus. Thanks a million for
potentially saving my hard drive!
posted on December 28, 2000 08:36:28 AM new
How recently have you updated you scanning software? Once a month is NOT too often.
And there ARE a couple of viruses that infect MS Outlook that CAN execute without your opening anything. If you use MSIE and/or Outlook for email, download the security patches and install them.
posted on December 28, 2000 12:10:44 PM new
actually, once a month is NOT OFTEN ENOUGH. because i am more an*l about it than most, i run a liveupdate and hard drive scan every single night. i have it scheduled to run between 1 and 3 am. we have dsl and so it is very easy for me.
paul does his about once a week or unless i hear about a virus running amok.
he was hit with the KAK virus 5 times. if he didn't have WINNT on his computer and used netscape, he would've been in deep doo doo. as it was, he just had to "find" his inbox.
but once a month is not often enough. once a week is better and more logical.
my .02 worth
posted on December 28, 2000 12:12:13 PM new
Well, I have to add a "thank you" to SilkMoth! I ran the virus scan on my office computer and it did find one infected file, which is now gone. Great program!
posted on December 28, 2000 12:29:43 PM new
Can I still use that site even if I have no Virus program on my computer? I am using
Netscape 4.6 and WIN98. Thanks
posted on December 28, 2000 02:43:06 PM new
gm8549: yes, you can still use it even if you don't have an antivirus program. This is the Symantec (Norton AntiVirus) site, and it will check your computer remotely. I wouldn't rely on it alone, though. Let it check your system, and then go buy an onboard anti-virus program!
Also, I am ashamed to say that I got the address for that site from abacaxi and forgot to acknowledge her detective abilities and generous sharing... My apologies!
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not SilkMoth anywhere but here
