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Viruses use new guises to tempt users
In order to spread as rapidly and widely as possible, viruses have exploited the latest Social Engineering techniques, in some cases even passing themselves off as Microsoft security patches
MADRID, March 20 2002
The first few months of 2002 have seen viruses like Gibe (W32/Gibe) and Myparty (W32/Myparty@MM) exploiting ever more ingenious techniques to trick users into running malicious code on their computers.
| | - Gibe spreads in an e-mail with the subject field 'Internet Security Update and includes the file 'Q216309.exe. The message text tells users that the attachment is actually a Microsoft security patch to correct a number of vulnerabilities, this is obviously totally false.
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| | - Myparty has been doing the rounds in an e-mail with the following characteristics:
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1.- Subject: new photos from my party!
2.- Message text: Hello!
My party... It was absolutely amazing!
I have attached my web page with new photos!
If you can please make color prints of my photos. Thanks!
3.- Attachment: W32/Myparty@MM includes a file called 'www.myparty.yahoo.com, and in the variant W32/Myparty.B@MM, the file is called 'yparty.photos.yahoo.com.
Two other viruses that have exploited 'social engineering in order to spread are:
| | - VBS/Chick: spreads via e-mail and IRC in a message with the subject 'Britney Pics and an attached file called 'BRITNEY.CHM. Needless to say, this worm tries to trick users into thinking they have received pictures of the American singer, Britney Spears.
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| | - W32/Valcard: is sent in a message with texts related to Valentines Day. Its variable subject titles include: Secret Admirer, Somebody Loves You and Love at first sight. The e-mail contains a file called 'VALENTINECARD.EXE.
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Unlike similar viruses in recent years, those that have appeared in the first few months of 2002 have not caused massive epidemics. This could well be down to greater user awareness -- who are being cautious when receiving suspicious mail and installing and updating an effective antivirus.
Complete information about all the viruses mentioned is available at: http://www.pandasoftware.com/library/
About Panda Software
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