security links
viruses and email attachments
We recommend that you do not open files received as e-mail attachments unless you know the exact purpose of the attachment. It is not enough that you may recognize the sender's name.
Here's why. Some real viruses that we've seen on campus have been designed to look in one's e-mail address book and, without the sender's knowledge, to send messages in his/her name that include an virulent attachment. The recipient, who recognizes the sender's name, thinks the attachment is fine and opens it -- which activates the virus.
If, in fact, you are expecting a colleague to send a file such as a Word document (which typically has a filename of the format *.doc) or an Excel spreadsheet (*.xls) to you as an e-mail attachment, it is likely safe to open it.
But you should not open any executable file (*.exe, *.vbs, *.pif, *.com, and *.bat are examples) or any other kind of file that you don't recognize, even if you recognize the sender's name.
Sending e-mail attachments. The corollary guideline is that you should send only e-mail attachments that have clear filenames with proper extensions (Macintosh users may want to add extensions to filenames before sending). Further, you should send them only to recipients who are expecting you to send attachments to them. Please do not send executable programs of uncertain origin.
Consider refraining from sending frivolous attachments intended only for amusement (examples include *.mpg and *.mov video clips; *.jpg and *.gif picture files). Although usually innocuous, these files may serve only to make your recipients wonder if they've received a virus via e-mail. They also consume our computer systems' limited storage space.
These simple precautions may help to prevent the spread of computer viruses. An essential defense is to have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on your computer. Contact your department's computing support staff for information about obtaining software.
These files are probably safe.
Although viruses can and do spread within data files (macro viruses, notably), our experience suggests that they have less potential for significant system-wide damage. Install an anti-virus utility; open attachments of these formats only if you know the exact purpose of the file and recognize the sender.
On Windows-based computers, data file formats can be identified by the three-character filename extension. Providing a comprehensive list is not possible; here are a few common extensions:
*.doc (Word); *.xls (Excel); *.ppt (PowerPoint); *.mdb (Access); *.pub (Publisher); *.pm6 (PageMaker)
Be wary of executable programs that are designed to do specific tasks.
For example, your word processor is an executable program designed for the input and formatting of text. Because we can't determine a program's function from its name alone, we strongly recommend not opening any executable file received as an attachment. Such files may have the following extensions:
*.exe, *.com (executables); *.vbs (Visual Basic script); *.pif (DOS program information file); *.bat (DOS batch file)
(Access); *.pub (Publisher); *.pm6 (PageMaker)
Virus hoaxes also arrive via e-mail.
Virus hoaxes -- false warnings about computer viruses that purportedly spread by merely opening e-mail messages -- have been causing unnecessary panic for years. See the web page titled "About Virus Hoaxes" for details.
Although it is highly unlikely that a virus could activate by merely opening an e-mail message, it is very possible to activate a virus by opening a file that is attached to an e-mail message.
(Access); *.pub (Publisher); *.pm6 (PageMaker)
To contact the TCN Help Desk:
E-mail (West Lafayette)
Voice: 494-8782
Knoy Hall · Room 295
To check outstanding support requests go to the Remedy self service website.
To Contact Statewide TCN:
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Indianapolis
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