Data Support

How CoxMail anti-virus works:

• CoxMail’s virus protection helps defend Cox Business Internet customers from receiving hazardous computer viruses via email. This service is automatically activated and does not need to be configured.
• Messages sent to your business email accounts that are hosted on CoxMail servers, will be checked for viruses before being delivered to your inbox or Webmail.
• If an incoming email contains an attachment with a known virus, then the infected attachment is deleted. However, the main body of the email and any uninfected attachments will be delivered to your CoxMail account along with an attached message indicating a virus was detected. No communication will be sent to the email sender.
• If an incoming email is infected within the body copy or has an infected attachment that cannot be deleted, the entire email WILL BE DELETED without notification to you or sender.
• If an outgoing email contains a known virus in the body of the email or the attachment(s), the infected email will NOT be sent to the intended recipient. No notification will be sent to the recipient or sender.
• Cox does not provide virus notification because in typical situations most viruses contain a “fake” or “forged” from and reply address and are often unknowingly distributed in bulk mass mailings from a computer that has been the unsuspecting victim of a security breech. If we send multiple notices to the sender of such emails, it would cause the unsuspected user to incur a substantial degradation of service or be sent to the “fake” or “forged” address. So notification is ultimately an ineffective communication.
• Cox Business Services does not read the content (text) of your email messages. This automated solution only detects viruses.

  NOTE: Although CoxMail anti-virus solution will provide protection against viruses transmitted via email, the email virus protection service will not prevent downloading of virus infected files, nor will it remove viruses already present on a customer's computer. For maximum protection, Cox recommends the use of anti-virus software on your PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I avoid getting a virus?

A: Viruses are designed not only to infect you, but also to spread themselves. Some viruses read your email address book, and email themselves to everyone in the book. Other viruses attach themselves to every outgoing email. Below are a few simple steps to help you avoid receiving a virus:

• Don't open an email attachment if you don't know the sender, or the message text or attachment name seems odd. Even if you know the sender, question the authenticity before opening it.
• Scan all attachments and files you receive with a frequently updated anti-virus program. PC
• Don't download from sites you are unfamiliar with or sites that may be questionable.
• Update your virus definitions and run a full system scan twice a month.
• Do not download programs using file sharing software. Experts estimate that over 70% of the software downloaded through file sharing programs is infected with a Trojan or virus.

Q: What can I do if I get a virus?

A: Stop! Do as little as possible on your computer, every click could spread the infected program. Immediately update your anti-virus software, and run a full virus scan on your computer. If your virus scanning software is properly updated it should remove the infected files.

Q: Will I receive notification if my computer tries to send out a virus via email?

A: Since most email sent by viruses has a fake 'reply' address, Cox cannot alert the sending reply address.

Q: How do I turn on the anti-virus for my mail hosted by Cox?

A: Anti-virus is set to ON by default on the CoxMail server, eliminating the need to manually set this function.

Q: What if I get a virus while using Cox's anti-virus software?

A: Please forward the virus as an attachment to virusreport@cox.net.

Q: How often is Cox's anti-virus software updated?

A: Cox Mail servers receive updates as soon as new definitions are available.

Q: Will Cox's anti-virus software prevent my computer from infection?

A: Email is just one of many methods that transmit viruses. Other activities, such as retrieving programs from file sharing software or downloading programs from popular websites can also lead to viruses. CoxMail anti-virus is one defense against these malicious programs. See "How can I avoid getting viruses?" for additional information on protecting your computer.

Q: Can I still use the Anti-virus product I installed on my computer?

A: Yes, Cox recommends that you install an anti-virus program on every computer in your business establishment and keep all virus definitions up-to-date. An anti-virus program on your computer, along with the CoxMail anti-virus, will position you best against malicious viruses and worms.