Y2K Virus alert! W32/Mypics.worm set for Y2k Destruction.

Y2K Virus alert! W32/Mypics.worm set for Y2k Destruction (12/4/99)

This question was answered on December 4, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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The most deadly (to date) of the "Y2K" virus programs that are set to launch on Jan 1, 2000 has been discovered by SARC (Symantec Anti-Virus Research Center) Named the W32/Mypics.worm, this strain is a variation of the "Melissa" virus in that it grabs the first 50 names in Microsoft based e-mail address books and sends itself to others The main traits of this virus is that it changes your start page for the Internet to a pornographic site and then it waits for the date Jan 1 to reformat (destroys all data) your hard drive In some cases, mainly on newer computers, Symantec warns, on Jan 1, 2000, the program will overwrite the checksum data in the host computer's CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) memory so when the system is rebooted the user will think that there may be a Y2K-related problem with the computer's BIOS (basic input/output system).

HOW DO I SPOT THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE?

The W32/Mypics.worm can be easily spotted, since it arrives in an e-mail, with no subject line The body of the message reads, "Here's some pictures for you!" with a Pics4You.exe" attachment that is approximately 34,304 bytes in size If you receive this message delete it and the attached file immediately.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

As of this writing (12/04/99) users of the Norton Anti-virus program can update their virus program by going to the "Live Update" button in the control panel of the Norton Anti-virus program Mcafee users should monitor the Mcafee web page (www.mcafee.com) in the coming days for their update

As with all e-mail messages that have an attached file, do not open the attachement unless you know exactly what it is, even if it comes from a trusted source Because this new strain of virus code automatically sends itself to others, you will most likely be sent the virus from a friend or associate.

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Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on December 4, 1999

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