The Worm_mimail.r Virus

26 January 2004

IMPORTANT VIRUS ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PAGEPLOP AND A-LIST HOSTING

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

There is a new virus called worm_mimail.r that started appearing about 14 hours ago. The virus is included as an attachment to an email and it changes its name constantly. The only thing that does not change is the .zip extention.

The worm_mimail.r virus seems to install spyware on your Microsoft-based computer. Spyware will allow someone remotely to see what you are typing, i.e., passcodes or read emails you have sent and received.

The thing is very nasty. Now, here's the problem.

For years, we have blocked .exe attachment files since they are the primary source of viruses. We have always told our clients to ZIP up .exe files and send them as attachments. Now that the .zip extention is associated with a nasty virus and we have to block that as well, we need to come up with a solution to the problem. We are working on developing a filter that will block only those emails which contain the virus and not every .zip file.

In the meantime, if you are using anti-Virus software, you need to immediately update your virus descriptions.

This virus does NOT affect Macintosh machines.

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