Using Microsoft Outlook is an open invitation to virus writers. The same tools that Microsoft has put in place to allow for increased automation and flexibility are those used by virus writers to spread e-mail viruses and worms (such as I Love You and the Anna Kournikova worms). Since Microsoft considers its susceptibility to viruses a "feature" it is unlikely to make any structural changes that would remedy the situation. The Microsoft "Security Patch" does stop some of these viruses, but it also prevents Outlook from functioning properly with third party programs such as case management or Palm Pilot synchronization. The best source of information on these matters is Woody Leonhards "Woodys Office Watch" (at www.woodyswatch.com). The two main lines of defense, as always, are training and proper virus protection.
There are four additional steps you can take that will substantially cut down on viruses.
Note: it is possible (but not too likely) that this may disable some other functionality. After you do this, keep an eye on your system for a week or so to see if you suddenly get strange error messages related to VB Script. Taken together, these steps will seriously reduce your exposure to viruses when using Outlook. |
John Heckman is president of Heckman Consulting, specializing in software integration for law firms, and is a frequent contributor to dacs.doc |