All-in-1 Account Security Information

[Guest guest]

As many of you know, I recently had my addy " hyjacked " and am very frustrated

by aol for their " lack of caring about it " They did sent this, and for those

of you on aol I am sending it on to you. Wish I could tell you they

proceeded to do something really awful to these guys!

In a message dated 7/6/2004 2:05:17 PM Pacific Standard Time, AOLMbrServices

writes:

Dear Member,

Thank you for calling today to discuss your concerns regarding the security

of your account. The security of your AOL account is VERY IMPORTANT. As

promised, I have sent you this information to help you control the security of

your

account. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you read each of the following areas and

follow all of the instructions to maximize the security of your account:

1. How do I keep my password safe?

2. How do I check for viruses and trojan horse programs?

3. How do I change my password?

4. How can I tell if my account is safe?

5. Where can I get more information?

Together, we can ensure that AOL is a fun and enjoyable place for all

members.

Sincerely,

America Online, Inc.

==================================================

1. HOW DO I KEEP MY PASSWORD SAFE?

Keep your password a secret

Never release your password online or give it out to friends. Change it

frequently (we recommend changing it monthly). Don't create passwords that are

easy

to guess. The best passwords are at least 6 characters long and contain a

combination of numbers and letters.

Remember, AOL will NEVER ask for your password. Don't download file

attachments if you are unsure of the source

E-mail file attachments can contain hidden password solicitation or password

stealing programs called trojan horse programs. If you don't know who sent the

e-mail with an attachment OR you are not expecting the e-mail attachment OR

you are unsure who created the attachment, DO NOT DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHMENT.

Remember, AOL will NEVER send you an e-mail with an attached file.

Be VERY careful when clicking on hyperlinks in Instant Messages or E-mail

Hyperlinks are the blue underlined (usually) words in a message that lead to

a web page. These web pages can ask you for personal information or initiate

the download of a file to your computer. In AOL version 4.0 and higher you can

hover your mouse pointer over the hyperlink to see the destination of the

link. If the hyperlink leads to a place in AOL the destination will read On AOL

only. Do NOT click on hyperlinks or ANY hyperlinks in e-mail you receive from

strangers.

Protect your computer with anti-virus software There are many software

companies that have created anti-virus software packages that can keep your

computer

safe from most viruses and trojan horse programs.

2. HOW DO I CHECK FOR VIRUSES AND TROJAN HORSE PROGRAMS?

As stated above, trojan horse programs are designed to solicit personal

information or steal passwords. They are sometimes distributed as files attached

to

e-mail and are usually presented to look like something fun or attractive.

You will need to complete the following 4 steps:

a. Download the VirusScan installation software.

b. Find and run the VirusScan installation software.

c. Run the VirusScan software.

d. Change your America Online password.

a. Download the VirusScan installation software

1. Sign on to America Online and go to keyword: Virus.

2. Click on Download the free VirusScan demo and updates. This will bring you

to the Tools and Solutions window.

3. Click on DEMO VERSION. (You can also download the full version)

4. Select VirusScan v.4.5 (for Win/95/98)

5. Click on the Download Now button - then click on SAVE.

6. After the file has finished downloading click on OK.

b. Find and run the VirusScan installation software

1. From the Windows Desktop click on START.

2. Select FIND. Select FILES OR FOLDERS.

3. In the NAMED: box, type VS0515AD.exe

4. In the LOOK IN box, select (C:) (or the drive AOL is installed on) from

the list.

5. Make sure there is a check mark in the INCLUDE SUBFOLDERS check box.

6. Click FIND NOW.

7. This will find a file called VS0515AD.exe

8. Double-click on the file called VS0515AD. exe

9. Follow the on-screen prompts.

c. Run the VirusScan software

1. From the Windows Desktop double-click on the McAfee VirusScan icon.

2. Select SCAN from the VirusScan console.

3. When the scan is finished click the X in the top right corner of the

console.

d. Change your America Online password

1. See 3. HOW DO I CHANGE MY PASSWORD (below for details).

You should regularly return to the Computer Protection area to download and

install McAfee's latest Free Driver Update. As new Trojan Horses are developed,

new detection mechanisms are added to the anti-virus software. Downloading

the Free Driver Update file makes these improvements available to the McAfee

software you have installed on your computer.

To install the Free Driver Update:

1. Sign on to America Online and go to keyword: Computer Protection.

2. Click the icon for Anti-Virus Center

3. Click on the Download link in Download the VirusScan free demo right now.

4. Click on FREE DRIVER UPDATE.

5. Click on the Download Now button - then click on SAVE.

6. After the file has finished downloading click on OK.

7. Exit America Online.

8. From the Windows Desktop click on START.

9. Select FIND. Select FILES OR FOLDERS.

10 . In the NAMED: box, type EXTRA.DAT

11. In the LOOK IN box, select (C:) (or the drive AOL is installed on) from

the list.

12. Make sure there is a check mark in the INCLUDE SUBFOLDERS check box.

13. Click FIND NOW.

14. This will find the file called EXTRA.DAT.

15. Right-click on the EXTRA.DAT file and select COPY from the popup menu.

16. Close the Find: window.

17. From the Windows Desktop click on START.

18. Select PROGRAMS. Select WINDOWS EXPLORER.

19. In the left-hand (All Folders) column click on the + before the Program

Files folder.

20. Click on the + before the Network Associates folder.

21. Double-click the McAfee VirusScan Folder.

22. Right-click the McAfee VirusScan Folder - Select PASTE.

23. Close WINDOWS EXPLORER.

24. Run the McAfee VirusScan software. If you need further assistance with

the McAfee software, you can contact their website (Network Associates, Inc.) or

call McAfee technical support department at 1-.

3. HOW DO I CHANGE MY PASSWORD?

Selecting a Password

Before you change your password, let's discuss what makes a good password. A

good password is one that is not easily guessed. Here are some guidelines on

how to keep the password from being easily guessed.

1. Don't use your name, your screen name or any personal information (This

includes any names, words, or numbers associated with you or included in your

profile).

2. The password should be a combination of letters AND numbers (It should

definitely NOT be just a word, just a name, or just numbers).

3. The password should be 6 to 8 characters in length.

Changing a Password

To change a screen name's password, you must be signed on to the screen name.

Once online:

1. Go to Keyword: password.

2. Click the CHANGE PASSWORD button.

3. Enter your current password in the box labeled old password. (If you were

issued a temporary password over the phone, that's the one you will use.)

4. Enter your new password in the two boxes labeled new password.

5. Click the CHANGE PASSWORD button and you're finished!

Repeat this process with each screen name on your account. Each screen name

should have it's own unique password.

Storing/Unstoring a Password

America Online offers a feature called stored passwords which enables you to

sign on without entering your password every time. However, we recommend that

you do not utilize this feature if anyone else has access to your computer or

if the computer can leave your presence (Rental return, temporary loan, or

while computer is being repaired).

1. Go to Keyword Preferences.

2. Click on PASSWORDS

3. To Unstore - Remove the stars next to your screen name To Store - Type

your new password next to your screen name

4. Click on OK

4. HOW CAN I TELL IF MY ACCOUNT IS SAFE?

If you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to your AOL account,

there are several measures you can take to be sure it is now secure. You'll also

want to be sure that your personal information has not been altered. Here are

some tips we think you'll find useful that will help you take charge of your

account.

Check the screen names on your account

While signed on to a master screen name, go to Keyword: Names. There you will

see the current list of screen names. If you see a screen name you do not

recognize, select Delete a Screen Name. If you are missing a screen name that

you

formerly had on your account, you can restore it by selecting Restore a

Screen Name from the main Screen Names menu.

Check each screen name's profile to see if it has been altered

To read the profiles on your account type Ctrl-G, then enter the appropriate

screen name into the pop-up box. If a profile has been altered, sign on to

that screen name, go to Keyword: Profile, click on My Profile, and make all the

necessary changes. Be sure to check all the screen names on your account.

Check the detailed bill for unauthorized access

The detail bill that can be viewed at Keyword: Billing displays every time

the account was accessed, with date, time (EST), screen name, signed on minutes,

and charges incurred. Communication surcharges could be incurred if your

account was used to access AOL through one of AOL's 800 numbers or International

access numbers. If you have questions about your detailed bill, you can talk

with a billing consultant online in the Billing Help Interactive area, available

at Keyword Billing. NOTE: Even if someone gains unauthorized access to your

account, your specific payment method is not viewable.

Check Mail Sent under each screen name on your account

Click Mail Center on your toolbar and select Mail Sent. Look for mail that

you don't remember sending, particularly mail to screen names you do not

recognize. If possible unsend the mail. If unfamiliar mail was sent from your

screen

name, you may want to delete the screen name and create a new one. This will

ensure you do not receive unwanted responses. If you do not wish to delete the

screen name, you can block unwanted mail using the features available at

Keyword: Mail Controls.

5. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Remember, taking a few minutes to check the security of your computer and AOL

account now can save you time and inconvenience later. Please take the time

to visit these other online areas, which will give you the tools and tips you

need to ensure a safe and fun online experience for you and your family:

Keyword: Member Services : Contains everything you need to familiarize

yourself with our online service.

Keyword: Neighborhood Watch : Learn all about account security with AOL's

Neighborhood Watch Program

Keyword: Parental Controls : Allows parents to designate different levels of

access for each child.

Keyword: Screen Names : Delete unfamiliar screen names or create additional

names for your family members.

Keyword: Password Protection : Reset your password on a monthly basis making

it an alphanumeric combination.

Keyword: Billing Center : Keep track of all charges to your account, and

report any suspicious usage or changes.

Keyword: Mail Controls : Learn how to block unsolicited, unwanted, and junk

email.

Keyword: Notify : Know how and when to immediately Notify AOL about online

violations.

Keyword: Customer Service : Gives you a list of current, AOL Customer Service

phone numbers.

Please print and/or save this e-mail for future reference

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letter as a Favorite Place just click on the red heart favorite icon in the

upper right hand corner of this e-mail then click on Save to Favorites

Marilyn

Moderator for

Diabetic_Recipes

dnevessr@...

Opinions expressed are solely

my own and should not be

mistaken for

Professional advice.