David M Williams
Tuesday, 31 March 2009 15:38
Business IT -
Technology
Page 2 of 3
Here is a "safe from Conficker" e-mail for Microsoft Windows infrastructures, ready to use (with appropriate modification.)
Turn over for Linux and MacOS variations.
Dear all,
You may have heard about a super-virus which is being discussed in the mainstream media. Some have asked me about this and I appreciate their concern for the safety of our data and systems.
I'd like to take this opportunity to give assurance to everyone that Initech takes seriously the integrity and security of its information.
The computer virus in question is known as "Conficker," this name being a portmanteau of the word "configure" and a German word "fick" which means something I cannot say in e-mail.
Conficker has been a rapidly spreading virus however it is important to note the vulnerability that it depends upon was patched by Microsoft in October 2008. Every Initech server, desktop and laptop had this patch applied at that time.
Consequently, we are at no risk from this virus because we closed the hole it uses when it first appeared.
There is talk of a new variant of Conficker firing tomorrow, April 1st. Opinion among experts is divided as to whether this is a hoax, playing on the notion of April Fool’s Day, or a genuine threat.
However, even if a new version was released I still wish to assure you Initech has a robust network infrastructure.
Firstly, we have a firewall that prevents anything on the Internet accessing our systems (with only a very small number of exceptions, for instance, any anonymous person can view our web site.)
Secondly, all our inbound e-mail first goes through a service called MessageLabs. It is cleansed of viruses and junk mail ("spam") and then the clean feed only is delivered to us.
MessageLabs are actively researching new viruses and Internet threats and updating their detection mechanisms. As the service is hosted by them we benefit immediately when they add new information.
Thirdly, all servers, notebooks and desktop computers have Symantec Anti-virus installed and check for updates ever day.
Symantec is a major anti-virus company and also actively research new viruses and threats to provide defences.
Initech has never experienced any virus outbreaks and this is not purely good luck but is because of the preventative methods we have put in place.
I am thus fully of the opinion tomorrow will be business as usual.
However, your home computers may not necessarily be so safe. Although you may have confidence in the Initech network please do take this opportunity to do two things on your home computers.
First, have your anti-virus software check for updates. If you do not use any anti-virus software two vendors provide free versions of their software for home use, AVG and AVAST.
Secondly, check for any patches to your operating system. If you use Microsoft Windows start Internet Explorer and click the Tools/Windows Update menu option. Be sure to install any items flagged as critical.
Please do feel free to speak to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Regards.
Ok, now for those of you running a
different infrastructure - Linux or Macintosh - do turn over for your variation!
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