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?
- Check Computer Associates' Virus Information Center for the latest information on new viruses.
- 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.
- 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.
- Consider using an email program other than Microsoft Outlook, which is often targeted by viruses. Other robust and reliable programs include Calypso and Eudora.
