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In view of extremely rapid spread of two very destructive
viruses - we replace regular article with this virus alert - specially
what you should do to safeguard your system
Threat from two recent viruses that are going around
is very real. They mostly affect people who use Microsoft's Outlook
Express.
Goner Virus
There is a outbreak of computers infected with W32/Goner@MM,
also known as Pentagone, Goner or Gone. This is a NEW, HIGH RISK
virus that spreads via Microsoft Outlook email and ICQ instant messaging
programs. This mass-mailing worm will arrive from someone you know
with the following email message:
>Subject: Hi
>
>Body: How are you ?
>When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you
>I am in a harry, I promise you will love it!
>
>Attachment: GONE.SCR
Goner is extremely destructive. When the attachment
is opened, it will look for a variety of anti-virus, firewall and
other security programs and attempt to delete them, along with ALL
FILES in the same directory. This worm will also place a trojan,
REMOTE32.INI, on the system, which contains instructions to attempt
Denial-of-Service attacks on other IRC users.
W32/Badtrans@MM
Over past two weeks, I have received hundreds of blank
emails of size 40.4 Kb. The emails have a _ character before the
sender's email address. I am sure many of you have experienced the
same. It means the sender's computers is infected, though he/she
may be blissfully unaware. What's worse, may be you are also sending
the same virus-laced mails to others if your computer is infected.
It is a new virus called W32/Badtrans@MM
Badtrans is a potentially destructive new generation
virus called blended threats. Blended threats are amalgamations
of worms, viruses and trojans.
What is a Trojan ?
A trojan, like the Horse of Troy in Greek Mythology,
surreptitiously enters your computer and opens the gate for a hacker
to get into your computer and steal private information. It also
tracks your key-strokes (i.e. your password, credit card number
etc. as you type in keyboard) and faithfully conveys to its master.
Safeguards
The best way to safeguard yourself is to never open
a file attachment unless you are confident about its origin. However,
there are a few viruses that can spread through e-mails WITHOUT
attachment or through Chat or Instant messenger.
You should have a good anti-virus software with latest
virus definition and preferably a firewall. You should also install
e-mail scanner that comes with standard anti-virus software.
Following free and priced resources will help you detect
and remove virus from your computer and keep you up-to-date on virus
and other security threats.
Priced Anti Virus Software:
Norton Anti Virus
McAfee Anti Virus
Dr Solomon's Anti
Virus Software
Free Resources in the Net
HouseCall
online virus scanning
A free service that offers online virus scanning. There's nothing
to install; HouseCall scans for and cleans viruses via the Web through
ActiveX and Java technology.
VCatch
This free program help you protect from receiving virus infected
E-mails. When an incoming E-mail or file is suspected to be containing
a virus, VCatch automatically deletes it and notifies you.
ProPort
A freeware Net security tool that protects your Net ports from hacker
attacks and other illicit activity. ProPort monitors local ports
for trojan and nuke attacks and can monitor an unlimited number
of ports.
AntiVir
Personal Edition
This easy-to-use freeware antivirus utility detects over 40,000
viruses and includes a resident monitor and desktop program. Scans
for DOS, Windows, macros and Java viruses.
Free Online
Virus Scanner
This site offers a free online service that lets you scan your computer
for viruses. They also offer free detection and removal tools here
that'll rid your PC of the various viruses and worms that are currently
circulating around the Net.
Others
Virus Bulletin
The international publication on virus prevention, recognition and
removal.
Virus Hoaxes
Virus hoax messages are all too familiar to just about all email
users. One of the main reasons for this is that they play on peoples
ignorance - users are understandably concerned about viruses, and
so consider it 'helpful' if, as suggested by the majority of hoaxes,
they forward the message on to their entire address book.
Related Links:
Source: FAIDA
- Newsletter on Business Opportunties from India and Abroad
Vol II, Issue 27'
December 12' 2001
Author :
Dr. Amit K. Chatterjee
(Amit worked in blue-chip Indian and MNCs for 15 years in various
capacities like Research and Information Analysis, Market Development,
MIS, R&D Information Systems etc. before starting his e-commerce
venture in 1997. The views expressed in this columns are of
his own. He may be reached at amit@infobanc.com
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