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Hence, we, by habit, delete email messages with executable attachments or with any attachments at all, unless we are positive who sent them and what the attachment is designed to do. And we don't presume that the name in the from: line is in fact the sender.
Now, the Minda worm changes our behavior yet again. It not only propagates through email attachments, like Code Red, but also by way of infected Web sites. We can infect our systems simply by browsing -- unless we have changed the settings on our browser. Yes, all the major sites have fixed their server software and now have patches in place to defend against that particular worm. But now we have been alerted that viruses can propagate in this new way, and we can expect that other related worms will appear that bypass the current fixes and pose a similar threat. Hence -- whether by edict from corporate security departments, or simply taking obvious personal defensive measures -- we are going to keep defensive browser settings, which will change how we experience the Web and also should lead Web sites that want us as visitors to change their designs.
In particular, Internet security companies recommended disabling scripting. For instance, in its NIMDA Update for 9/18/2001, TruSecure recommended "Disable Java scripting and active scripting at desktop level -- all zones. (setting security to High should work, but additionally disabling active scripting is protective)." http://www.trusecure.com/html/tspub/hypeorhot/rxalerts/tsa01024b_cid179.shtml (Ironically, TrueSecure uses scripts on the very pages that provide that warning :-)
In other words, from now on, you can expect that large numbers of Internet users (particularly knowledgeable and corporate users) will not see your dynamic java-script or active script pages the way you intended them to be seen, or will be repeatedly delayed with annoying prompts at every page at your site.
Strangely, many corporate sites use dynamic pages even for content that is basically static -- text that remains constant for months at a time. Their Web environment often seems to be dictated by the publication tool they have chosen, rather than by any business purpose. In the past, that approach seemed bizarre and self-destructive because it got in the way of their pages being found by search engines -- reducing their traffic and hence their revenue. Now it is even more important that such companies re-evaluate the business impact of their site design -- not just its aesthetics and usability and how well it conforms with branding rules.
If they want to be sure that their potential customers can see/read their pages, they should have a simple static version of their content. At the very least, as a stop gap, they should seriously consider creating static HTML pages that are identical in look and feel (and brand) to their current dynamic pages. Then they should consider using this opportunity to add meaningful HTML titles, delete useless metatags, and to make sure that the first couple lines of text of these static pages are clear and meaningful -- to increase traffic coming by way of search engines.
As a rule of thumb, your business needs, not your authoring software, should dictate your site design. Do not add special effects simply because you have the technical ability to do so. Do not add technical complexity unless it promises to benefit your company and your customers. Aim for simplicity, clarity, and utility, rather than graphic excitement. Then your pages will be less likely to be vulnerable to future viruses, and all your potential customers will be able to see your pages today the way you intended them to be seen. And, as a side effect, you could also make your site far more search-engine friendly.
This site is Published by B&R Samizdat Express, 33 Gould St., West Roxbury, MA 02132. (617) 469-2269. seltzer@samizdat.com
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