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fandomhigh2015-03-04 10:05 am
toteshammered.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2015-03-04 10:05 am
Modern Day Myths, Wednesday
"I trust you all had an enjoyable vacation," Thor began. "As well as sufficient time to recover from your vacation." Because yeah, he knew how these sorts of things worked. "Today I thought we'd discuss a certain type of myth that goes hand in hand with the use of computers- that of the 'virus'. The ability to send emails in mass quantities has made it very simple for those with devious intent to stir up a frenzy easily, and so it is essential to remain vigilant in order to prevent yourself and your device from being targeted. This does not mean, of course, that you must be suspicious of every piece of electronic communication you receive, but there are some things in particular to look out for.
One of the more insidious things that a virus can do is take control of your email and use it to perpetuate the infected message by sending it to everyone you know. So if you see an email from a friend or acquaintance, but the subject line or text seems strangely out of character, this can often be a clue pointing towards the presence of a virus. Of course, in Fandom, this can also mean that your friend has simply been replaced by an alternate version of themselves, or switched bodies with someone else, and is confused and seeking help. If you believe that may be the case, it is best to contact them directly, via telephone or in person. But just to be safe, do not open any files they may have attached to the message, as if it is a virus, that will serve to infect your computer. Another clue as to the presence of a virus can actually be a missive warning you about a virus. Sometimes these emails, although they may be sent with the best of intentions, can make it easier for your computer to be compromised. Or they may be a distraction, causing people to be on the look out for one thing, when really the true danger is something else entirely." He paused to smile reassuringly at his students.
"As I said before, do not let this dissuade you from using computers entirely, just keep a few things in mind these things to look out for: unexpected file attachments, messages that seem out of character for the person sending it, and messages about dangers to your computer that are designed to evoke concern. If you believe your device may be at risk for a virus, there are several web sites that list information regarding current concerns and hoaxes that you may check against. Additionally, make sure that your device has some sort of anti-virus protection, and conduct regular scans to ensure its virus-free status."
One of the more insidious things that a virus can do is take control of your email and use it to perpetuate the infected message by sending it to everyone you know. So if you see an email from a friend or acquaintance, but the subject line or text seems strangely out of character, this can often be a clue pointing towards the presence of a virus. Of course, in Fandom, this can also mean that your friend has simply been replaced by an alternate version of themselves, or switched bodies with someone else, and is confused and seeking help. If you believe that may be the case, it is best to contact them directly, via telephone or in person. But just to be safe, do not open any files they may have attached to the message, as if it is a virus, that will serve to infect your computer. Another clue as to the presence of a virus can actually be a missive warning you about a virus. Sometimes these emails, although they may be sent with the best of intentions, can make it easier for your computer to be compromised. Or they may be a distraction, causing people to be on the look out for one thing, when really the true danger is something else entirely." He paused to smile reassuringly at his students.
"As I said before, do not let this dissuade you from using computers entirely, just keep a few things in mind these things to look out for: unexpected file attachments, messages that seem out of character for the person sending it, and messages about dangers to your computer that are designed to evoke concern. If you believe your device may be at risk for a virus, there are several web sites that list information regarding current concerns and hoaxes that you may check against. Additionally, make sure that your device has some sort of anti-virus protection, and conduct regular scans to ensure its virus-free status."
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