Virus prevention during the critical Year 2000 period

Word macros

It is most likely that during the critical 2000 period, there will be virus attacks. Most of them will become active on Christmas, New Years Eve, New Year, or the beginning of business in 2000.

Some examples:

These viruses are already known and the protection is up to date. Of course, all viruses will not be announced in advance. Some viruses will only be spread or detected in the critical period.

Some recommendations:

Macro viruses account for 80-90% or more of all virus problems today. And "Word" macro viruses are the most prevalent forms of macro viruses. The majority of "Word" macro viruses attack by infecting the "NORMAL.DOT" file. You can find it in : C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Templates\normal.dot
By making NORMAL.DOT into a read-only file, it helps you notice attempts to write to it. It also allows you to start Word the next day in an uninfected environment. And generally slows down viral spread.
This doesn't prevent macro viruses. But it makes for less of a problem when you encounter one.

Check documents for macros that might contain viruses. A macro virus is a type of computer virus that's stored in the macros within a document or template. When you open such an affected document or perform an action that triggers a macro virus the macro virus is activated and transmitted to your computer, and stored in your Normal template. From that point on, every document you save is automatically "infected" with the macro virus and if other users open such infected documents, the macro virus is transmitted to their computers as well.
Word and Excell can't scan your floppy disk, hard disk, or network drive to find and remove macro viruses. If you want this kind of protection, you need to purchase and install specialized anti-virus software. However, Word and Excell can display a warning message whenever you open a document that contains macros that might contain a virus. You can then choose to open the document with or without its macros. A macro virus can only be harmful if it is allowed to run, so disabling the macros allows you to open the workbook safely.
If you expect the document to contain useful macros (for example, an order form used in your company, intranet), you may want to open the document with its macros.
However, you may not expect the document to contain macros, or you may not know or trust its source.
For example, you may get the document as an attachment to an e-mail message or from a network or Internet site that is not secure. In this case, it's a good idea to open the document without macros to prevent the possible transmission of macro viruses.
If you want, you can stop checking documents for macros that might contain viruses. When Word displays the macro virus warning message, clear the Always ask before opening documents with macros or customizations check box. Or turn off macro checking at any time on the Tools menu, click Options, click the General tab, and then clear the Macro virus protection check box.
Note to find out more about macro viruses including how to purchase anti-virus software that scans your existing documents and removes macro viruses you can download virus protection information from Microsoft on the World Wide Web. If you don't use macros for your benefit, why let macro virus writers use them? If you're not expecting any macros, don't let them run. However, users can turn this option off.  A registry change at login or a system policy can turn this on at every logon.

Tips

Downloads from the Internet should be restricted or postponed in the critical Y2K period. At least a communication should be made to the Internet users to make them aware of the potential dangers.

Don't open attachments you receive by email unless you know exactly what the document is. Even if the sender is somebody known, you must pay attention. Viruses like to hide in an unsuspected environment.

A macro virus can only be harmful if it is allowed to run, so disabling the macros allows you to open the workbook safely.

Backups won't prevent viruses. But if one ever hits you, the value of backups is immeasurable.

Keep your PC clean. Well-known ways of infections are emails and diskettes from PC's. Provide the necessary software so that the user protect their PC. Use the dat-files regular on the virusscanner: this updates your pattern files and your engine at the same time. A regular review of virus news on the Internet and communication with friends is indispensable. A strict follow-up of the virus messages on corporate level is recommended.

Users should be informed about potential dangers and the measurements that they and others can take.