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View Full Version : new virus with potential to delete data files is due to start deleting on Friday



Silver_2000
02-01-2006, 05:45 PM
Here is message I sent to my customers
Thought you guys might find it helpful

Customers and Friends,

I felt that the potential problems this new virus may cause was worth
sending a mass email. Sorry for the late notice.

There is a new virus that has been spreading recently. This virus is
referred to as the kama sutra virus, Nyxem.E, MyWife or Blackworm.

Here is a quote from News.com about the virus.
http://news.com.com/Kama+Sutra+worm+seduces+PC+users/2100-7349_3-6030129.html
"The Kama Sutra virus has started wiping crucial files from some infected
PCs several days earlier than expected.

The worm, also known as Nyxem.E, MyWife and Blackworm, is programmed to
delete Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe PDF files on Feb. 3, meaning people should still have about two days to clean up
compromised systems. But F-Secure said Tuesday that because the clock time
on their PC was wrong, some people had lost important files soon after their
systems became infected.

~~~ The worm has infected some 300,000 systems, according to a Lurhq
analysis of logs from a Web site
statistic counter that the worm uses to keep track of its spread.

~~~ Once active, Nyxem will try to delete all Word, Excel, PowerPoint and
PDF file types from a compromised PC. The multifaceted malicious software
will also attempt to propagate itself, both through e-mail and as a network
worm, which can be particularly damaging on closed networks.

"Nyxem is certainly malicious. It can be delivered via e-mail, but also as a
network worm. It probes other PCs on a closed network to compromise them and
send itself to the other computers, to infect as many hosts as possible,"
Steer said. "

You can find more details on the virus here
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_138027.htm

In my experience about 30% of the PCs I work on either have no antivirus,
the antivirus has expired or the antivirus isn't updated.

To avoid potentially losing your data files PLEASE take the time as soon as
possible to update your antivirus and run a scan. If you don't have
antivirus there is a link to some suggestions on my website - including a
link to a free Antivirus that can be run.
http://www.bosshelp.com/bosshelp.htm
The good news is if you are running
Antivirus software and its being updated you should be protected.

Thanks and have a great week

Doug Boss

Tex Arcana
02-02-2006, 12:01 AM
Damn... that's a bad one. :( Good thing I'm working on switching to Linux as we speak...:d

I think your 30% estimate is off, tho: about 90% of PCs I've seen are either unprotected or insufficiently protected. :(

Might be time to find a broadband connection and download all scanners and run them. :(

EDIT: The biggest thing I hate about Windows products: their extreme insecurity.

Wht95Lightning
02-02-2006, 12:09 AM
I am updating now. Thanks for the heads-up

dboat
02-02-2006, 05:37 AM
Doug, thanks.. my McAfee is up to date, but I ran it on a deep scan last night. nothing there. So I hope that will do it..
Dana

btw, I am now converted over to my new computer.. :banana: :banana: