Kama Sutra virus set to delete files tomorrow

[devolution365]

It's been awhile since we've seen a virus that did damage to data, but one was released on Jan 16th that's set to delete Office files (Word, Excel, etc) and PDF's tomorrow. -Yep. That means you could have been infected weeks ago, but the damage will happen tonight/tomorrow. Like a time bomb. Nice, huh?

Anyway, here's the details: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blackmal.e@mm.html

My advice would be to update your virus definitions and run a full system scan tonight. If it finds anything, fix it! Windows updates won't help with this one, but are a good idea anyway since they'll protect you from other viruses and worms. I always recommend people turn on Automatic Updates on their virus software and in Windows (Start > (Settings) > Control Panel > Automatic Updates). Oh, and backing up any important files is always a good idea, but may be especially important tonight!

As is often the case, Mac and Linux users are safe from this one...

 

[Green_Manelishi]

It's been awhile since we've seen a virus that did damage to data, but one was released on Jan 16th that's set to delete Office files (Word, Excel, etc) and PDF's tomorrow. -Yep. That means you could have been infected weeks ago, but the damage will happen tonight/tomorrow. Like a time bomb. Nice, huh?

Anyway, here's the details: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.hllw.oror@mm.html

Of special interest might be the subject lines and attachment names of the emails that contain the virus -and a fake error message that pops up when it installs.

My advice would be to update your virus definitions and run a full system scan tonight. If it finds anything, fix it! Windows updates won't help with this one, but are a good idea anyway since they'll protect you from other viruses and worms. I always recommend people turn on Automatic Updates on their virus software and in Windows (Start > (Settings) > Control Panel > Automatic Updates). Oh, and backing up any important files is always a good idea, but may be especially important tonight!

As is often the case, Mac and Linux users are safe from this one...

So, I guess Windoze users will be deeply ****ed

 

[devolution365]

I'd say that your discription is quite fitting, yes.

 

[Damselfish]

that one is old, you mean this one? http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blackmal.e@mm.html
not that it matters.

 

[devolution365]

Doh! Yep. That's the one I meant. I'll edit my original post to reflect the right link.

 

[RadRob]

According to the link you posted that virus hasn't been around since 2003. I would think that the antivirus software has been updated since then.


***sorry, I see someone already said this, thanks for the new link.

 

[devolution365]

The link has been revised.

 

[drbill]

I assume users of Word Perfect and spreadsheet software other than Excel are safe as well.

 

[devolution365]

Well, your Word Perfect documents will be safe, but it also damages any anti-virus and/or firewall software you have installed. Plus, it'll still use your computer to replicate itself to others. So, I suggest you still take precautions and do the antivirus update/scan.