Virus E-mail I-worm-klez.e

[Andy Hamilton]

A new on me this one, it is the I-Worm.Klez.e virus a worm virus that infects all of your .exe files

The e-mail came with this rext written on it

This is a very new game
This game is my first work.
You're the first player.
I hope you would enjoy it.

along with two attachments, one .txt file and a setup.exe file. I did not open either and deleted the e-mail. The text on this e-mail may vary, whatever you do don't open the attachments. Here is a bit more info on it http://www.viruslist.com/en/viruses/enc ... usid=22463
and Apparently if you are infected personal files can be sent to other computers. It looks for .txt .htm .html .wab .doc .xls .jpg .cpp .c .pas .mpg .mpeg .bak and .mp3 files.

To remove it check out this http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_99367. ... structions or this http://securityresponse.symantec.com/av ... en@mm.html

[FluffyMuppet]

Klez-E is pretty ancient in virus terms. Any decent virus scanner should detect it. Anyone who doesn't have virus protection should get some - private users can download a copy of AVG for free http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/. Bear in mind that you will need to keep anti-virus software updated unless it automatically installs its own updates.

I'm afraid I am a virus geek - I work for http://www.sophos.com/

Muppet (speaking here purely as a private individual!)

[Andy Hamilton]

I know where to go if I get a virus then Is there any virus that people should be expecially vigilent about at the moment?

[FluffyMuppet]

The virus world has been quite busy this week, with some new members of the Bagle family on the loose - so beware of strange emails. Other than that the things you're most likely to get are some of the Trojans which spread via infected websites and you can't really avoid those unless you have some protection.

[Andy Hamilton]

I did not know that website could get infected, is there a way of checking that this site is clean? And preventing any infection in the future?

[jema]

With a web site you do need to keep abreast of the security updates, but you cannot afaik really scan them as such.

I differ with most people on virus protection. I think having it on a PC can lead people to believe they are safe and open stuff they shouldn't.

The only way to be safe on a PC is to be diligent with the updates and absolutely never open anything that might conceivable by unsafe.

jema

[FluffyMuppet]

The only way to be safe on a PC is to be diligent with the updates and absolutely never open anything that might conceivable by unsafe.

This is true, however most people would find it rather restrictive as it limits you to opening files you have made yourself. There are very few filetypes these days that can be guaranteed to be safe.

And even doing that doesn't protect you from backdoor Trojans which deliberately spread via unprotected computers on the Internet - for that you would need a firewall and/or anti-virus software.

The general rules for safe computing apply whether you have anti-virus software or not: don't download files from the Internet unless they are from reputable companies who should guarantee they are virus-free, don't open emails from people you don't know and don't open email attachments from people you do know unless you were expecting them or they have confirmed that they deliberately sent them.

There are other suggestions in the Safe Hex guide: http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

[jema]

The only way to be safe on a PC is to be diligent with the updates and absolutely never open anything that might conceivable by unsafe.

This is true, however most people would find it rather restrictive as it limits you to opening files you have made yourself. There are very few filetypes these days that can be guaranteed to be safe.

And even doing that doesn't protect you from backdoor Trojans which deliberately spread via unprotected computers on the Internet - for that you would need a firewall and/or anti-virus software.

The general rules for safe computing apply whether you have anti-virus software or not: don't download files from the Internet unless they are from reputable companies who should guarantee they are virus-free, don't open emails from people you don't know and don't open email attachments from people you do know unless you were expecting them or they have confirmed that they deliberately sent them.

There are other suggestions in the Safe Hex guide: http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

But there is also no such thing as an infallible virus checker, you tell people they can open unsafe types as they have a virus checker and you are IMHO worse off than telling people never to open unsafe files.

What files do people actually "need" to open that are sent via email?

jema

[FluffyMuppet]

What files do people actually "need" to open that are sent via email?

I think that depends on your definition of the word "need" and the person's circumstances. However, I'm not going to continue this conversation because I'm fed up of talking "shop" at the weekends.

[Andy Hamilton]

However, I'm not going to continue this conversation because I'm fed up of talking "shop" at the weekends.

Totaly understand, fair enough.

As for opening e-mails Jema I am constantly having to open e-mail that are sent to me in the shape of articles and pictures that are sent in by the various writers.

I run a mac with OSX and althogh not totaly safe it is much harder for me to pick up a virus than a pc, which is handy. I supose with the apple releasing the mini and really pushing for more of the market their success could also make them more vunerable.

[jema]

However, I'm not going to continue this conversation because I'm fed up of talking "shop" at the weekends.

Totaly understand, fair enough.

As for opening e-mails Jema I am constantly having to open e-mail that are sent to me in the shape of articles and pictures that are sent in by the various writers.

I run a mac with OSX and althogh not totaly safe it is much harder for me to pick up a virus than a pc, which is handy. I supose with the apple releasing the mini and really pushing for more of the market their success could also make them more vunerable.

But with macros turned off, article and pictures are safe types.

jema