IMPORTANT: Malware/Spyware Outbreak (this is not BS!)

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam,

I am passing this along because I was partially nailed by this one.

The bogus alerts popping on my screen had a porn flavor (that's just not

my game) had all look of something generated by Microsoft Windows, but

when the pop-up windows directed me to go to some site and pay $39 for

some fix called " Internet Security 2010 Virus " , it was clear the alerts

were all complete BS. The whole thing was like a circus. I just sat back

and watched most of it. It was somewhat entertaining until my desktop

wallpaper image went away and turned blue (that was simple to rectify).

The important thing is to _NOT CLICK ANYWHERE_ on any of the pop-up

windows. Instead press *control+alt+delete* and end *all* applications,

which I didn't do. In the end the worst damage I appear to have suffered

is I can no longer open Internet Explorer.......no huge loss ;o), and

that appears to be the extent of the damage.

I ran Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (free) and SUPERAntiSpyware Free

Edition to clear up the matter. I'll fix Internet Explorer next time I

re-install the OS (Windows XP Pro, thank you)

 

Bless,

Dharam

 

 

 

 

** DELETED

*Sent:* Wednesday, February 03, 2010 8:30 PM

*To:* DELETED

*Subject:* FW: IMPORTANT: Malware/Spyware Outbreak

*Importance:* High

 

 

 

Andrew you really helped me out this weekend during my computer attack.

Thanks. Just passing along advice from the head of IT about malware

attacks and how to handle them. I did not realize that even closing the

window snags you. So the way to go is just press *control+alt+delete*

and end *all* applications. Hope this helps. Love Mom

 

 

 

** Vescio, Donald

*Sent:* Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:51 AM

*To:* employees

*Subject:* IMPORTANT: Malware/Spyware Outbreak

*Importance:* High

 

 

 

All,

 

 

 

We are seeing instances of an especially aggressive malware/spyware

attack taking place on computers connected to the internet. While all

of the major antivirus and antispyware vendors are working hard to keep

their products current with emerging threats, it's important that each

of our WSC users exercise safe computing practices to avoid the

infection and transmission of harmful software.

 

 

 

*IMPORTANT*

 

If a window pops up on your computer indicating that you have some sort

of virus infection and that you should to scan your

machine or download software, *DO NOTHING---DO NOT CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE

POP-UP WINDOW MESSAGE, DO NOT CLICK CANCEL, DO NOT CLOSE THE WINDOW*.

Interacting in any way this pop-up window can lead to the installation

of password catches, key loggers, and all sorts of other terrible things

on your computer. Instead, press *control+alt+delete* and end *all*

applications listed in Window's Task Manager. Please contact IT's

Help Desk (x8856) if you have any questions or to report an instance of

this attack on your computer.

 

 

 

*Important Additional Information*

 

 

 

1. Don't open any chain emails or mass emailings and don't forward

such communications to others.

 

2. Don't open any attachments from unverified sources and don't

open any attachments that are unexpected.

 

3. Don't install any specialty applications found in Facebook and

similar applications; don't click on any Twitter links.

 

4. Macs are no longer virus-free products---in many ways, they are

more susceptible to malware/virus attacks than their Windows

counterparts. Mac users, don't be complacent and make sure that you

exercise safe computing, too!

 

 

 

 

 

*If Your Computer is Infected*

 

Please contact IT's Help Desk immediately. Due to the severity and

complexity of the current malware/spyware outbreak, Information

Technologies will reimage your machine to return it to its originally

new condition.

 

 

 

Again, please contact IT's Help Desk (x8856) if you have any questions

or to report an instance of attack on your computer.

 

 

 

 

 

Don

 

 

 

*Dr. Donald Vescio*

 

*Vice President, Information Technologies*

 

*Worcester** **State** College*

 

*508.929.8935*