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treddie's avatar
treddie
New Contributor

About This Alureon Trojan Stuff


1.   I'd like to point out that Cox or any other reputable agency should NEVER EVER post links in an email!  If they do, this is contrary to Security 101.  You should be simply told to go to their website on your own.

2.  Just because the link they provide you LOOKS legit, it may in fact lead you to somewhere else, NOT COX, or MICROSOFT, or WHATEVER.

3.  The email claims that Cox THINKS they detect a virus on your machine.  Just how the *** would they do this?!  Run their own virus checker on your machine, without your consent?!  And bypass your firewall, as well?!  That would be hacking.

4.  Since when does Cox provide downloadable computer virus tools?  They are a cable company, not a computer virus detection company.  Your computer security is YOUR responsibility, not theirs.  The ** that ends up on your machine is YOUR responsibility, not theirs.

If you are not sure, just call Cox direct at the support phone number on your bill.  NEVER TAKE ANYONE ELSE'S ADVICE!!!!  GO DIRECTLY TO COX!

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  • EdwardH's avatar
    EdwardH
    Valued Contributor
    Treddie, Our Network Security team does send links in referencing information in dealing the specific cases in email whether it is off site information for viruses or compromise problems, or dealing with other cases, some cases our site is not going to go into as much detail as going to the source.

    You are correct on watching links from any source not just us watching that it goes to valid URL and does not have extra pre or suffixs on the address is one thing to watch out for.

    With the Security issues with viruses 9 times out of 10 they are detected by traffic using the connection on known ports regarding those viruses and matching patterns of traffic whether they are attacking the network itself or other users being reported. We are not scanning files on a computer or your home network.

    We do offer Mcafee Security Suite for free with our service to allow customers to run scans on their devices it is installed on.
  • Bruce's avatar
    Bruce
    Honored Contributor III

    Security 101?  Does that include Physical Security...Retirement Security?  You're citing an ambiguous term because it has no reference.

    In your post, you fail to distinguish between Computer Security and Network Security.  You're right:  your personal computer is your responsibility.  However, when you connect it to the Cox Network, security becomes their responsibility.  If your computer is spewing malware, they should alert you.

    A URL in an email is not a threat.  Clicking a URL in an email from an unknown source is the threat.  You can always verify the source by its SMTP address.  If you question the source, then don't click the link.  However, I think you trusted the source (Cox) because you complained straight to Cox.

    Cox' responsibility is to ensure our Internet connections are safe, reliable and not abused.  If they didn't, it would be a wild, wild west of malware, hacking, lawlessness and denials-of-service.

    Cox is not a "cable company."  It's a telecommunications company, which includes TV, Telephone, Internet, Home Automation, Home Security.  Part of securing the Internet portion is free virus detection.  Almost all providers have a free Security Suite for their subscribers.  Even the military provides free security software for the home computers of its members.

    It's actually cheaper for a provider to offer free security software.  Purchasing an unlimited license from McAfee is cheaper than hiring supernumerary technicians to detect and remove malware from their nodes...securing vulnerabilities...repairing damage...and alerting subscribers of threats.  Installing software on our end thwarts most threats and helps secure the network.  It's comparable to Planned Parenthood.  It's cheaper to give out fee protection than it is to treat the effects.