TECH TIP - DON'T GET TRICKED INTO RUNNING A VIRUS top

Stop getting tricked into running viruses because you don't see the file
extension of an attachment.

Many virus files mask themselves as more innocent files such as images
by adding a second file extension. For example, a dangerous file using
Visual Basic Script (used by the "I Love You" virus among others) may appear
on your system as something.jpg because you have set Windows to hide file
extensions.

If you change your settings, the true filename will be revealed as something.jpg.vbs.
You'll be able to see the .vbs extension and know that this is not an
ordinary .jpg file.

1] Click Start, click My Computer, and on the Tools menu, click Folder
Options.
2] Clear the Hide file extensions for known file types check box, and then
click OK.

There are many file extensions which can potentially launch dangerous code.
Some of the most commonly used are:

.vbs: Visual Basic Script
.exe: Executable Program
.bat: Batch file
.com: MS-DOS Program
.reg: Registration Entry
.scr: Screen Saver
.pif: Shortcut to MS-DOS program

If you receive an email attachment with one of these extensions, delete it.

For more information on viruses see: http://www.evron.com/virus/virusFAQ.asp
or contact .

Tech Tips: Low Tech Security Tips

Companies spend extraordinary amounts of time and money on high tech security 
solutions to protect their data - and rightly so. However, it is often 
the low-tech security holes that cause a company damage. Some things to 
look out for:

- It's usually an inside job: More often than not, data is misused or stolen 
by disgruntled employees or internal staff, not faceless outsiders

- No Post-it Note Passwords: Many people leave important information and 
passwords posted in yellow paper on their computer , that's not very secret. 


- No Automatic Passwords: Remote users will save their passwords and login 
name, so that they can log in automatically. This gives easy access to 
not only them, but anyone on their system.

- Always Log Out: Another common security hole is people who leave their 
computers not only on, but logged into the network when they leave for 
the day, so anyone can access the system, their email, etc. and leave no 
trace. Log out and power down. 

- Secure your Laptop and PDA: Laptops and especially PDAs are small, light 
and easy for anyone to carry away. When working remotely and even in your 
office, protect them like the valuable piece of machinery they are. You 
can buy a lock to secure your laptop to your desk and use passwords to 
ensure that even if your mobile items do get stolen, your data is safe.

- Watch what you say: Keep your private information to yourself. You never 
know who may overhear the secret you casually mention at a bar or other 
public place 

Tech Tips: Running a Network Anti-Virus Scan

When Should I Initiate an Anti-Virus Scan on my Network?

It's best to scan your network during off-hours. When it's running, Anti-Virus 
scanning uses a large amount of system resources. It will significantly 
affect the performance of your network, and make it difficult for anyone 
working at that time. 

How do I avoid doing too many of these scans?

To avoid regular network scans, keep your anti-virus software running constantly 
in the background. It will automatically test all files as they are loaded 
on the network, and alert you if a virus is found. Occasions for a full 
network scan will still arise from time to time in any case, but they will 
be far less common. 

To properly configure your anti-virus software contact Evron at:  

Tech Tips: How do I Disable JavaScript and ActiveX in email?

In "Learn more about Viruses" section above, we discussed the potential 
dangers of JavaScript and ActiveX in email. Here we discuss how to disable 
this functionality.

Please note that while these steps will make you more secure, you will 
lose some functionality. Some friendly email and web sites therefore, 
may not work as designed.

Outlook and Outlook Express: Set the Restricted Sites security zone to 
disable all ActiveX and Java.

Go to Internet Explorer. 
Select: Tools -> Internet Options (This opens the Internet options dialogue 
box)

Go to the Security tab: select Restricted Sites (red circle) in the window 
at the top
- Click Custom Level. This will bring up the Security Settings dialogue 
box with a list of options. Begin scrolling down the list
- Under ActiveX controls and Plug Ins, there will be a number of items, 
most with three options: Disable, Enable, Prompt. Scroll down the list 
and choose Disable in all cases.
- Under Java there will be one item called Java Permissions with a number 
of options. Choose Disable.
- Under Scripting, there will be a number of items, most with three options: 
Disable, Enable, Prompt. Scroll down the list and choose Disable in all 
cases.
- At the bottom of the Security Settings dialogue box is a pull down menu 
under the title "Reset Custom Settings". Select "High" from the menu.
- Click "OK"

Now that you have made the necessary modifications to Restricted Zones, 
you will need to add Outlook or Outlook Express to this Zone: 

- Open Outlook Express or Outlook (if not already open)
- Choose Tools -> Options (This opens the Internet options dialogue Box.)
- Select the Security Tab
- Under "Secure Content" there is a Zone pull down menu. Select the Restricted 
Zone
- Click "OK"

Netscape Mail 

- Select Edit -> Preferences from the menu (This opens the Preferences 
dialogue Box.)
- On the left side of the window, Under Category, choose Advanced
- On the right side of the window, Remove the "X" next to "Enable JavaScript 
for Mail and News" 
- Click "OK" 

For more information on making your email safe, contact us at