Apparently, there are some hackers that are able to get into Google Groups and by-pass the settings that were set up by me (all messages from new members are moderated).
This setting creates a queue for me (with messages and spam mixed in). I get an email alert for each message. Several times a day, I go through these messages and release the new messages (or messages with attachments, hyperlinks, and other things that like to trigger the filter) and delete the spam. A couple of weeks ago, someone was able to bypass this system and spam appeared on this list. The exact same message also appeared on Mel's IslandRoutes (for Portuguese Hawaiian researchers). Since we have our groups linked from the message board/forum page, the spammer followed the links. Neither one of us released the spam. It was reported to Google Groups and the user was banned. Last night (Wed, Oct. 21), another person was able to bypass the setting and somehow sent a spam message to selected members. I did not get it. It was in the archives/message board area, however. I am unsure if the hacker was also able to bypass the members list (I have it blocked from private view to try to cut down on even more spam - that way, people can't just surf in and get your email addys). I reported this and that user was also banned. However, the possibility exists that someone's computer was used as a "bot." Somewhere, at sometime (could have been months ago), a listmember may have been on a site, clicked a link, or received an email with something malicious in it. It can sit in the computer for months, and then at the programmed date, it comes to life and starts to send emails from your computer. It can use your address or take addresses from your email book, or even spoof email address. I am unsure if this is what happened, as not everyone received the spam last night. It may have been spoofed; however it did appear in the archive. Everyone needs firewalls. Yes, with an "S." If you are a PC, Windows Defender is not enough. Mine never catches anything. I'm DSL and that modem has a firewall built in. That's good, but that's not enough either. I also downloaded ZoneAlarm (free version) for a firewall as well. Although it's a bit of a memory hog and it does take my computer longer to boot up, I know I'm safe. I know that because I get pop-ups alerting me about something trying to access my computer. I have to "teach" it to allow Word to access the Internet, or other programs. When the programs are updated, I have to reteach it again. Annoying? Yes. Have I ever been hacked? No. So it's worth it to me. If you don't have multiple firewalls, you need to find more. Everyone needs an anti-virus. Some of these programs are Norton/Symantec, MacAfee, AVG, Avast!, and even Zone Alarm has one you can purchase. Some are free. You only need one if you pick a reputable company. Everyone needs anti-spyware programs too. Yes, with an "S." You need more than one, as one doesn't catch it all. There are commercial programs, but I use free ones: Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy (Spybot S&D). There's also one called Hi-jack This. Mel has used this program in the past since she is the Webmaster of YourIslandRoutes. My DSL firewall and ZoneAlarm are always running in the background to catch anything going on. Windows Defender is run once a week. I run my anti-virus once a week too, but not at the same time Windows Defender is running. Then I run my anti-spyware a couple of times a month. I have 2. They don't run while the anti-virus or Windows Defender is running. I run them separately, at different times (Example: Launch Ad-Aware and go make, eat dinner, and clean up. Check Ad-Aware. If done, clean results and launch Spybot. Go watch TV. Check Spybot and clean results). "Lock the Boogie Man Out of your Computer" by Tom Underhill and Andy Pomeroy is a good book to read on Internet safety. I know Tom and he wrote it with his 70-something year old mother in mind. He did not want it to be too technical so no one could understand. See if your library has a copy or ordering info is here (half way down): http://www.creativecontinuum.com/store.asp There are many groups and lists on the Internet where you can get advice. Also, a trip your library and checking out PC type magazines may be of help too. I suppose in the pioneer days of America, when the mercantile closed for the evening, they just shut their doors. Eventually, locks had to be installed. As time passed, stores had to get those gates or pull down things to protect the entrance to their stores. Then they started putting cables and coils on expensive clothes and then eventually, they put those annoying ink tag things on many clothing items now. CDs and electronics have some magnetic thing that needs to be demagnetized and small items are in that plastic casing that so hard to open. It's almost like that with our computers. I'm sorry that the spam got through to some members on the list. We are have been on Google Groups for 4 years now (beginning year 5) and two messages have got through. I will continue to report and ban the messages and users (and if your computer ever gets taken over as a bot and you wind up being banned, you'll need to email me directly so I can restore your settings after your computer has been cleaned). Enough of the public service announcement. Back to genealogy! Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership." -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
