Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rutgers!netnews.upenn.edu!vax1.cc.lehigh.edu!sei.cmu.edu!krvw
From: well!odawa@apple.com (Michael Odawa)
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: Re: Shrink Wrap...still safe?
Message-ID: <0002.9001121151.AA02343@ge.sei.cmu.edu>
Date: 11 Jan 90 19:39:41 GMT
Sender: Virus Discussion List <VIRUS-L@IBM1.CC.Lehigh.EDU>
Lines: 21
Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu

> we have been using a rule of thumb to stick to shrink wrapped software
> to help avoid viruses.  What comments &/or advice do you have for this
> situation?

Both shrinkwrapped and downloaded software sources have their
advantages and risks of contamination.  It is our belief that the
important factor is not the distribution method by which you acquire
your software which will protect you, but the integrity of your
sources.  While there have been some very serious and regrettable
instances of viruses appearing in both shrink-wrapped and downloaded
software, these are rare in comparison to the viral propagation that
results from software that is "passed around."

To achieve maximum protection you should (a) acquire software only
from trusted sources, (b) scan and monitor your system for viral
activity regularly, and (c) backup often and systematically.

Michael Odawa
Virus Task Force
Software Development Council
odawa@well.uucp