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Cupid, a target for virus writers
With Valentines Day approaching, Panda Software advises users
not to lower their guard with the e-mail messages that they receive
MADRID, February 11 2002
Of the Social Engineering techniques used by computer viruses, some of the most effective are those that deceive users by sending them e-mails that promise, amongst other things, love and relationships. Prepared with large doses of ingenuity, subtlety and persuasion, these messages get the attention of the recipients, who open them without realizing that their action is going to lead to their computer becoming infected and the propagation of malware.
The viruses that have used Cupid to deceive users include:
1.- VBS/LoveLetter, alias Iloveyou". According to Computer Economics, this virus has had the highest economic impact --10,000 million euros ($8,750 million)-, to date. Its wide propagation was without a doubt helped by the ingenuity of the e-mail in which it was included. The characteristics of this e-mail were:
1.1.- Subject: ILOVEYOU
1.2.- Message body: kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me
1.3.- A file called: LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.VBS.
2.- VBS/Valentin. This virus sent messages to mobile phones wishing users a happy Valentines day and asked them to visit a Web page. On visiting this page a file called LOVEDAY14-B.HTA was downloaded to the users computer. This file created a file containing the virus code in the directory C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.
3.- W32/Matcher. This virus used, as explained in the body of the e-mail to which it was attached, the following alternative for finding a partner:
Want to find your love mates!!! Try this its cool.
It is also worth mentioning the hoax that warns users of a virus called "Be My Valentine" which is sent on Valentines day.
With Valentines day on the way, Panda Software advises users to be on guard and take precautions, as some virus writers could try to propagate malicious code disguised as greetings messages. Therefore it is advisable to:
| | - Scan mail before opening.
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Viruses can be automatically forwarded in e-mails without the sender even knowing they have been infected. Therefore it is advisable to use a reliable antivirus to scan all e-mails received, even if they have apparently been sent by someone you know and trust.
| | - Use a good antivirus, which can be updated daily and can to detect and neutralize new viruses. An efficient permanent technical support service is also vital to resolve any problems that arise with viruses or the functioning of the antivirus, rapidly provide antidotes for new viruses and warn users of new threats.
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Complete information on the viruses mentioned above is available in the Panda Software Virus Encyclopedia at: http://www.pandasoftware.es/library
About Panda Software
Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com) is a leading international developer of computer security software, specializing in antivirus solutions for large networks. Their 100% in-house, cutting-edge technology has received awards and quality certifications from the most widely respected IT security institutions. Their commitment to client service and the concept of the protection of computer systems as a 24h-365d Insurance Policy rather than merely a software product have revolutionized the computer security industry. The quality of Panda Softwares products has been endorsed by the major industry watchdogs including: Virus Bulletin, ICSA Labs, Check Point and Checkmark.
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