Fw: [announce-lists] Read This First: Devastating Email Worm on the Loose

[Guest guest]

Hi to all

 

This is a real virus alert - pay attention if you use Microsoft Windows 95,

98 or NT, Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange for email. If you don't

use any of these programs then you can sleep soundly in bed tonight! Always

beware of email attachments, and never send them to this list.

 

I would take this opportunity to remind you all, especially for the benefit

of our new rs, that any such messages you may receive from other

sources should be forwarded to me for checking - gordon - and NOT

posted to the list - there are too many hoax messages out there.

 

Sat Nam!

Gordon

 

> This message was forwarded to you from ZDNet AnchorDesk

> located at http://www.anchordesk.com If you would like to

> receive further high-tech news alerts, simply forward

> this message to on and you will

> automatically receive a free sample.

>

> Comment from sender: Important!

> This is off-topic, but is a MUST read!

> HTH!

>

> -- Dave

>

> Read This First: Devastating Email Worm on the Loose

> URL:

http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/adem2fpf/www.anchordesk.com/story/story_3500.ht

ml

> Berst Alert

> Jesse Berst, Editorial Director<BR><I>ZDNet AnchorDesk</I>

> Friday, June 11, 1999

>

> I hate worms. You should too. Not the creepy-crawlers,

> not Dennis Rodman -- the high-tech kind. And we've got

> one loose right now that's very nasty.

>

> And very dangerous. Worm.ExploreZip is a virus capable

> of destroying data. It enters your system through email.

> If you don't catch it, it may destroy crucial files on

> your system.

>

> Experts aren't sure how far Worm.ExploreZip has spread,

> but email systems at Microsoft, Intel, Symantec, NBC and

> General Electric were hit so hard that some had to shut

> down mail servers. That kind of malicious power should

> not be ignored. By the time you read this, millions more

> computers could be overwhelmed. Click for more.

>

> Here's what to do right now:

>

>

> Know the worm's habits

> Sanitize your system and your company

> Be prepared for the next one

>

>

> WHO'S AT RISK

> You're a target if you use:

>

>

> Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or NT

> Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange for email

>

> That means millions of users. If you're among them, be

> very careful with email. Do not open email with attachments

> unless you're certain the sender is safe, and only after

> you've downloaded protective software.

>

> HOW WORM.EXPLORE WORKS

> The worm -- first discovered in Israel -- enters as an

> email attachment with the name "zipped_files.exe." Its

> deceptively friendly message reads:

>

> Hi "name of recipient"!

> I received your e-mail and I shall send you a reply ASAP.

>

> Till then, take a look at the attached zipped docs.

> Bye.

>

> Experts say you should delete it without opening it, and

> then empty the deleted items file.

>

> If it executes, the worm copies itself to the windows

> system directory with the filename "Explore.exe" and then

> modifies the WIN.INI file so the program executes each

> time Windows starts.

>

> It then uses the infected computer's email client to harvest

> email addresses in order to propagate itself.

>

> But behind the scenes, it plays real mean: searching C

> through Z drives and selecting crucial file extensions

> and rendering them useless by making them 0 bytes long.

> Result: Non-recoverable data or computer system failure.

>

> To sanitize your system, you need to mount a full-scale

> assault. Here's a guide from ZDNet Help. Click for more.

>

> Have you been attacked by Worm.ExploreZip? Hit the TalkBack

> button to warn others via a message beneath this story.

> You can also join my Berst Alert's Forum to trade questions

> and answers with other readers.

>

> Whatever else you do, spend the time to follow the steps

> and safeguards linked below.

>

> VITAL WORM.EXPLOREZIP LINKS

> ZDNet Tipzone: Virus Help

> Download the latest antivirus software

> ZDNet Products Guide: Utilities/Antivirus

> How Viruses Work

>

> READ MORE:

> Protect Your Network from Viruses - ZDNet AnchorDesk

> http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_3257.html

> Why I'm a Security Pessimist - ZDNet AnchorDesk

> http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_3377.html

> The Net's Best Places to Beat Bugs - ZDNet AnchorDesk

> http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_3469.html

>

> DISCUSS:

> Jesse's Berst Alerts

>

http://chkpt.zdnet.com/chkpt/adem2fpf/www.anchordesk.com/disgroups/disgroups

_54.html

>

> TOPICS:

> Bugs and Viruses

>

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