File-Destroying Worm

[sandyhook]

This is  an alert I received - Just wanted to pass it on


Researchers Warn of File-Destroying Worm

Tuesday, January 31, 2006
NEW YORK - If you have computer files you'd rather not lose, now is a good time to make sure your anti-virus software is up to date. A worm set to activate Friday will corrupt documents using the most common file types, including ".doc," ".pdf," and ".zip."

Hundreds of thousands of machines are believed to be infected, mostly in India, Peru, Turkey and Italy, said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer for Finnish security company F-Secure Corp.

The worm, known as "CME-24," "BlackWorm," "Mywife.E" or a number of other monikers, even tries to disable anti-virus software that is out of date, he said.

Thus, users should make sure their software is turned on and has the latest definitions, generally available for free from the software vendor's Web site. F-Secure also has created a free removal tool.

"If you are infected, and you find out about it today, you still have time to get rid of the virus," Hypponen said.

As worms go, the spread of BlackWorm is relatively low. But worms these days are generally designed to help spammers and hackers carry out attacks, not to destroy files as this one does. So the impact this time may be more severe.

Microsoft Corp. issued an advisory Tuesday warning customers about the worm, which affects most versions of its Windows operating system.

Users should be safe if they have the latest anti-virus software or if their computers are set with limited privileges, a common setting in larger organizations. They are vulnerable if they, like many small business and home users, leave their computers set with full administrative rights.

And users should check the date on the computer. The worm hits the third of every month, so if the computer's local calendar settings are off, Hypponen said, files may be destroyed sooner or later, even if the computer is never turned on Friday.

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[pogohatesme]

Wow thanks for the great info

[Mary]

thanks  O0

[Gerald]

Yep read about this one in the Usa Today, Today  ;D

[zzigzzag]

Thanks for info! O0

[Homer]

*WARNING*

*BEER DESTROYING HOMER*

A beer destroying Homer has been set loose in the wild. Should a bald fat yellow guy show up at your house just hand over all the beer and no one will be hurt.  :P :o

[pogohatesme]

*WARNING*

*BEER DESTROYING HOMER*

A beer destroying Homer has been set loose in the wild. Should a bald fat yellow guy show up at your house just hand over all the beer and no one will be hurt.  :P :o

Lol I'm assuming you'll be looking for doughnuts too lol

[Homer]

If you give donuts Homer promises not to pee on your house.  :P

[nanners]

Uh-oh.. I don't drink and I can't eat doughnuts.. I think i'm in trouble.. ::)

[Homer]

Uh-oh.. I don't drink and I can't eat doughnuts.. I think i'm in trouble.. ::)

I'll let you slide if I can drive your fancy car there. ???

[sandyhook]

You are all welcome


Ut Oh

I will be in trouble if Homer comes here

No Beer ...... no alcohol

No Doughnuts

But

I have BROWNIES !!!!!

[Homer]

Sounds like you better get a shuffling off to Moe's.  :P

The brownies will hold me over until you make a beer run. ;)

[Helen]

Sounds like you better get a shuffling off to Moe's.  :P

The brownies will hold me over until you make a beer run. ;)

Homer, I gave you your own fancy car!!

[Homer]

Thanks Helen but that doesn't get you off the hook.  :P

[Helen]

Thanks Helen but that doesn't get you off the hook.  :P

Uh oh, what did I do?!?! lol Maybe the beer will get me off the hook?

[Homer]

Thanks Helen but that doesn't get you off the hook.  :P

Uh oh, what did I do?!?! lol Maybe the beer will get me off the hook?

Somebody has a bingo!  :P

[Tori]

Lmao..Homer, you can't have my beer..it's all mine...but "baby, you can drive my car"  ;)

[Homer]

Don't need to... I got my own. :P

[Mommylov1216]

okay.. lol! Homer you drive me nuts. your too funny at times!

[ME4SPADES_]

*WARNING*

*BEER DESTROYING HOMER*

A beer destroying Homer has been set loose in the wild. Should a bald fat yellow guy show up at your house just hand over all the beer and no one will be hurt.  :P :o

ok you can have it all but i get to keep the krispy kream  :P hmmm well maybe let you have 1 r 2 if ya be a good boy