E-mail is currently the most common means by which computer viruses, Trojans
and malicious scripts are disseminated. Simple changes to the default
configuration of your e-mail client (the program you use to send/receive e-mail)
and antivirus software will improve your e-mail privacy and computer security. My
discussion focuses on Microsoft's Outlook Express. However, many of the concepts
I discuss also apply to other e-mail clients currently available. Have a great
week, Tom
Verify Security Settings
Some types of computer viruses and Trojans allow a malicious individual to gain
access to and remotely control your computer. The security settings of your e-mail
client (Outlook Express) or Internet browser could be
purposely modified and weakened. Once your security settings are reduced a malicious
individual has increased the ease and ways in which you and your computer can be
exploited.
Let's begin by verifying the default security settings of Outlook Express to ensure
they have not been accidentally or maliciously changed. Verifying these settings
will also ensure you are familiar with how and where they can be modified.
With Outlook Express open/running click on:
"Tools" on the menu bar (at the top of the Outlook Express main window)
"Options" (The "Options" dialog box will open)
Click:
the "Security Tab" of the "Options" dialog box (see below)
to select the radio button next to "Restricted sites zone"
Click in the box to select:
"Warn me when other applications try to send mail as me."
"Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus."
"Block images and other external content in HTML e-mail."
Click "Apply" then "OK" if you've made any changes that need to be saved. Blocking
images and external content from your e-mail improves both your privacy and the
security of you computer. I explain why it is important to "Block images and external
content later in my section on HTML e-mail.
E-mail is currently the most common means by which computer viruses, Trojans
and malicious scripts are disseminated. Simple changes to the default
configuration of your e-mail client (the program you use to send/receive e-mail)
and antivirus software will improve your e-mail privacy and computer security. My
discussion focuses on Microsoft's Outlook Express. However, many of the concepts
I discuss also apply to other e-mail clients currently available. Have a great
week, Tom
