"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
wrote:
Reggie Smithers wrote:
JimH wrote:
==========================
The clock is ticking on a dangerous computer virus programmed to delete
millions of Word files stored on PCs when it reaches the end of its
countdown on Friday.

Experts have warned that the Blackworm virus, which has also been named
Blackmal, Nyxem, MyWife and Tearec, could destroy vast amounts of
information when it is triggered, and could send unprotected businesses
into
chaos. The malicious software strikes against machines powered by
Microsoft's near-ubiquitous Windows software.

According to SANS, the US-based internet security organisation, by
January
26 around 300,000 computer systems, made up of potentially millions of
individual PCs, had already been infected by the virus. The
organisation
said: "This worm is different and more serious than other worms for a
number
of reasons. In particular, it will overwrite a user's files on February
3."

The list of file-types that the virus will hit and delete includes the
most
commonly-used formats, including Word, Powerpoint and Excel documents.
===================================

More at http://tinyurl.com/at299


Here is a removal tool. Since the worm "turns off" your antivirus
software, it makes sense for everyone to run a specific removal tool.

http://securityresponse.symantec.com...oval.tool.html


--
Reggie
************************************************** *************
That's my story and I am sticking to it.

************************************************** *************

Reggie, from what I understand, if your Norton or other popular
software is up to date, it will catch it before it turns off your
anitvirus software.

Bassy,
If you were infected before your antivirus included blackmal in it's
database you could still be infected. Since no one will know until 2/3 it
is a simply strategy to run the removal tool.

Then, it's your fault for not noticing that your AV software isn't working.
No matter what anyone tells you, it's not "set it and forget it". You need
to consciously focus on it once a week or so. Or daily, if your computer is
used to earn money.