Jim Turner wrote: > For Eileen Irwin and everyone else subscribed to the PAFOREST mailing > list-- > > Someone on this mailing list probably has an infected computer but it is > not me. > > This is a well known worm/virus that is sweeping through the internet > right now. > > Tim Pierce, the lead systems administrator of RootsWeb, sent out a > message to all listowners a couple of weeks ago, warning of this > particular virus. The way the virus works is by forging the return > address to make it look like it was sent by someone other than the real > sender. In this manner, it tricks the recipient into thinking it is safe > to open the attachment because it appears to be from a known and trusted > source. Once you open the attachment, the virus then gets into your > address and mail files, and sends out a message to everyone in your > address book, using the false return address and a subject taken from a > real message recently received from that address. > > It was in this manner that you received a message that appeared to be > from me, Eileen, but it was not. I have not even sent you a message > recently. > > I am an experienced computer user and practice "safe computing." I am > also a professional genealogist and communicate widely on the Internet. > I am a listowner for two Rootsweb mailing lists and a webmaster for > several genealogically related web sites. I regret that the implication > has been broadcast over this mailing list that I have carelessly or > maliciously contributed to the spread of a virus. I can assure all who > may be exchanging messages with me that I am not the guilty party. > > But, from the information in Eileen's message, it appears that someone > on the list does have an infected computer and is unknowingly spreading > the virus. In the environment we are in, everyone on the Internet > should have an anti-virus program, run it daily, and religiously > download updates to it. And do not open an e-mail message attachment > until you check with the person who appears to have sent it, to be sure > that it is genuine. > > Jim Turner FYI Jim Turner and list You have not described accurately how this worm virus works. It does NOT forge the return address. It forges a reply message. This virus has been known for less than 2 weeks, so no one could have notified anyone a couple of weeks ago. This denial and "not me" syndrome only promotes the further spread of the virus. Methinks, Jim, that thou protestest too much! __________________________________________ NetZero - Defenders of the Free World Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html