Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!unix.cis.pitt.edu!dsinc!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!cert.sei.cmu.edu!krvw From: p1@arkham.wimsey.bc.ca (Rob Slade) Newsgroups: comp.virus Subject: Am I subject to viruses? Message-ID: <0008.9104111306.AA01727@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu> Date: 10 Apr 91 23:41:53 GMT Sender: Virus Discussion List Lines: 40 Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu pcsbbs!fff@uunet.uu.net writes: > If I connect to a site where I always initiate the call, only exchange > email and receive netnews, am I subject to receiving a virus. My > modem is never left on and the port is not enabled for a login. Actually, your question, even as specific as you have made it (and thank you for all the details you *have* given) is not completely straightforward. First point: what is your local machine? If it is a PC, and you are using it just as a terminal, you should be almost completely safe. I say "almost", because there are instances of codes imbedded in text that can gain "access" to the low levels of your machine, but they would be very much subject to the specific terminal program you are using, and the configuration both of it and of your PC. As these codes have so far been seen only in "trojan" situations, and given the configuration specific nature, this is highly unlikely to be of concern to you. If you are using a workstation, and connecting in a network or pseudonetwork configuration (I am extrapolating from your comment about the port not being enabled for a login) you may possibly be at greater risk If you are simply using a terminal, you may still be subject to a "denial of access" viral situation, although you would be safe from local data loss. Some terminals (and I won't go into details because they are available in back issues of VIRUS-L) will accept text as commands to "remap" the keybaord, and then to "send" the remapped commands. These "new" commands can, of course, be of the nature of "forward this message to everyone I know", and thus create a mail virus. ============= Vancouver p1@arkham.wimsey.bc.ca | "Is it plugged in?" Institute for Robert_Slade@mtsg.sfu.ca | "I can't see." Research into (SUZY) INtegrity | "Why not?" User Canada V7K 2G6 | "The power's off Security | here."