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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 1999 -- All this time you've been worried
about Y2K problems and now something even worse comes along.
It's a particularly vicious new
virus that disguises itself as a Y2K problem. If not removed from
infected computers by Jan. 1, it will reformat the user's hard drive after
first creating a false "CMOS checksum" error, thus mimicking an
actual Y2K scenario.
The worm also changes the home
page of Microsoft Internet Explorer to an adult site.
The worm is distributed much
like its predecessors. It arrives as an email attachment called
Pics4You.exe. Opening the attachment loads the worm into the
computer's memory. It also attaches itself to the first 50 listings
in address books of Microsoft Outlook users and mails itself.
How can you protect yourself?
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Check Computer Associates' Virus
Information Center for the latest information on new viruses.
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Use McAfee, Norton or one of
the other major anti-virus programs and keep it current.
You must update the programs frequently in order to have protection
against the latest viruses.
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Don't open attachments
unless you have specifically asked an associate to send you a
particular file. Since worms invade the address books of
innocent computer users, you could be infected by an email from a
trusted friend who was an unwitting victim.
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Consider using an email
program other than Microsoft Outlook, which is often targeted by
viruses. Other robust and reliable programs include Calypso
and Eudora.
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