P3D ExploreZip work (re:Windows)

[bob Wier <wier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

There is what appears to be a genuine virus/worm alert in effect
for anyone who uses Microsoft Outlook on Windows (it appears at the
moment that other platforms are not susceptable). It functions by
attaching itself to outgoing e-mail, which (assuming
you permit reception of attachments) will appear on your HD
as the file "zipped_files.exe". If executed, it will selectively
erase multiple files, in all likelyhood crashing the system.

For anyone runnning a PC based anti-virual scheme, you may wish to
check with the manuf web site (Symantec, Macaffee, etc) for 
updates. 

In any event, if you receive an unexpected attachment file, even from
someone you may know - do not execute it (ie, double click) but rather
delete it immediately. 

There is some evidence that as it mails itself to other people,
it scans the contents of your current in-mailbox and picks up
addresses of messages there - since presumably you have had e-mail
which those addresses before, the message at the receiving end
may appear to be genuinely from you, even though it is not.

For further information, see

http://www.symantec.com/press/1999/n990610b.html

or

http://www.avertlabs.com/public/datafiles/explore/faq.doc

There is a high likelyhood that you have received the worm/virus
if you see an e-mail message in Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express,
Exchange, or Netscape which is worded:

"I received your email and shall send you a reply ASAP.
Till then, take a look at the attached zip docs".

Again - if you see this message on a computer running 
Windows 95/98/NT, go to your attachements folder and delete
it - BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO EXECUTE IT (ie, double click).

Safest would be to refuse all attachments at the current time.

Don't panic - just be vigilant.

THANKS

   ====== wier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ======
       3:48 AM Friday, June 11, 1999
    Unix/Internet System Administrator



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