New virus threat for M$ PC's

[dhaen]

I've just recieved 2 similar emails purporting to be from Microsoft, each with 3 attachments, one being an exe file.

These are counterfeit, and carry a virus payload that may be executed in unpatched MS outlook/ outlook express on opening.

This is so new it's not on the virus sites yet, but is explained in this news article:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1273195,00.asp

I'm certain this is not a hoax.

[Sch3mat1c]

Ever since this afternoon I've been getting a monsoon of the damn things... PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENTS! Just delete the things.

Word to the wise, never open an executable type (.COM, .EXE, .BAT, .SCR, and I think one or two more) unless you're sure of what it is.

Tim

[AudioFreak]

*.PIF is also a common one.

[Netlist]

Originally posted by dhaen
These are counterfeit, and carry a virus payload that may be executed in unpatched MS outlook/ outlook express on opening.

Yes, the virus guys are having a great time.
As always, keep your system and virus scanner patched, preferably on a daily bases and install a decent firewall.
Performing those simple tasks, I'm able to stay virus free for many years now.

/Hugo - has a big quarantine list.

[kelticwizard]

I noticed that several recent viruses masquerade as Emails from Microsoft.

My question is: does Microsoft actually send Emails out to people who use their OS? Is their such a thing as a legit unsolicited Email from Microsoft?

[Netlist]

Here is some more in-depth info about our 'friend' Swen:
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/ven...swen.a@mm.html

/Hugo

[jackinnj]

I had 116 of these emails between 11:00 pm and 7:00 a.m. -- our ISP (Comcast) is aware of the problem.

You can check the MSFT website for patches -- for me I think I'll get a Powerbook!

[dhaen]

Originally posted by jackinnj
snip...

....-- for me I think I'll get a Powerbook!

I changed last month. Haven't looked back

[grimberg]

Originally posted by kelticwizard
My question is: does Microsoft actually send Emails out to people who use their OS? Is their such a thing as a legit unsolicited Email from Microsoft?

In my experience dealing with Microsoft over many years, they will not send e-mails unless you ask to be included in one of their several mailing lists.
If you register with them and get e-mails, you can still change your profile and uncheck the selected mailing lists. The messages will stop coming immediately.
If you have not signed up with Microsoft, messages you receive most likely come from a spoofed address and I suggest you delete them without opening.

[grimberg]

Originally posted by jackinnj
-- for me I think I'll get a Powerbook!

The Powerbook is a good option. You could also re-purpose your Intel box and install Red Hat Linux with Gnome for the GUI and Ximian (http://www.ximian.com) for e-mail client. It is, by design, meant to closely resemble Microsoft Outlook.