[GLIMS] GLIMS Update: computer backups and security

[Jeffrey Kargel]

Dear colleagues,
I have had 3 terrible days (now finished), where I had a hard disk crash, and then continuing troubles reverberating with progressive and eventually complete loss of Microsoft Word and some other functionality.  Now systems seem normal.I have to tell you this in full disclosure: Please run a malware check on any Microsoft Word file you opened that came from my machine (a Mac).  I have no definite indication of malware ion my system (virus checks showed nothing), but its behavior became as though there was malware that caused eventually inefficiency with Microsoft Word, high heat production from my hard drive, a burned-out hard drive,  and then same troubles with a new hard drive, corrupted Microsoft Word files, and an eventual endless loop with Microsoft Word that almost froze ( or burned up) my entire computer.  The fix (apparently, was clean removal of Microsoft Office (all components), and reloading; as simple as that (I hope).  So far, it seems like a fix. Greg Leonard had a warning from Microsoft that indicated a potentially serious threat from my file that I sent you and Frank (something about that it could contain code that would allow malicious control by a 3rd party, or something sinister sounding).  My own system has not picked up anything, but the behavior was pretty drastic.  I suspect that it was simple, innocent corruption of my Microsoft Word program, and that it is fixed and was never a malicious attack.  But we all know that a crazy war is being waged against climate change researchers, and as a precaution I recommend running your own virus check at least on any Microsoft Word documents that passed through my computer.  Anyway, it should be a note urging computer backups and virus checking.  I have never personally known of any executable Mac virus or worm on any of my colleagues' machines, and certainly not mine. This would be a first. So I would attribute this case more to a cosmic ray hit or the whim of electrons. 
Please record details of any troubles you encounter-- what file, when, what warning message or symptoms. And let me know.
Back up your hard drive today! I would also keep a secure second back up that you do not frequently touch, as well as a frequently backed up copy.
--Jeff Kargel 		 	   		  
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