Here's a cybersecurity suggestion from Gene Schultz, a member of the Lab's Computer Protection Program and author of "Windows NT/2000 Network Security."

The best protection is to turn off the file sharing option on your computer. Many LBNL Windows 95 and 98 users have unprotected shares even though they do not really need to share their computer's drives with anyone else. From a security viewpoint this means that there is more likelihood that your system can be easily attacked by hackers, worms and other sources. To check whether these shares exist, go from Start to Settings to the Control Panel, then double-click on Network, then (once the Network dialog box comes up), on the File and Print Sharing Box. If the "I want to be able to give others access to my files option" is not checked, your system is considerably less vulnerable to attack than if it is checked.

What can you do if you see a check in the "I want to be able to give others access to my files" box? There are two good options:

1. If allowing access to your system's files is not really necessary, you can click on the checkmark next to "I want to be able to give others access to my files option" to turn this option off. No check should now appear.
2. If you need to share your computer's files, you can at least limit who accesses these files by going from Start to Control Panel, then double-clicking on Network. Now click on the Access Control tab at the top, then on Share-Level access control. Enter the username of anyone who needs share access to your system's files.
   

Keeping your antivirus software updated is also very helpful in combating this and all kinds of other types of malicious programs (e.g., viruses). Getting into the habit of updating your system's anti-virus software the first thing when you get into work every Monday morning is one of the best things you can do. To do this, go from Start to Programs to Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition to Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition (again). The Live Update screen will appear. Click on Live Update, then Next. Your computer's anti-virus program will be automatically updated via the Internet in just a few seconds.