Re: [MV] BEWARE OF THE SANDMAN- attachmentphobia

From: wwd@netheaven.com
Date: Tue Sep 18 2001 - 04:04:37 PDT


In <list-1293951@skylee.com>, on 09/18/01
   at 07:04 AM, sarbuckle@comwares.net said:

>.... NEVER OPEN AN ATTACHMENT,
>even if it looks ligit.

First, set your computer operating system not to HIDE file extensions. If
the name is xxx.jpg or xxx.gif with NO other additional extension,
like: .scr .bat .com .pif .exe .dat ,etc you are probably safe.
Then you can RENAME the file from xxx.jpg to xxx.txt and inspect it with a
text editor like notepad, wordpad or whatever your system uses. A
legitimate .jpg will begin with 'JFIF' and have typical (various)
characteristics in the first 'paragraph'. The rest of the file right down
to the last line will be binary characters only. Be wary if the last few
paragraphs have anything readable in them. Gifs are similar. Inspect known
good files this way and you will be able to spot good from bad. RENAME
back and you are all set to view from a graphics viewer prg- do not simply
'open' the file using its icon(!).

Knowledge mitigates fear.

Bill

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wwd@netheaven.com
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