“SOBER” E-MAIL WORM SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE

Alert

“SOBER” E-MAIL WORM SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE

Problem: The spread of a new e-mail worm named “Sober.P” has reached epidemic proportions.

Solution: Do not open or run strange attachments sent to you in e-mails. Use trusted antivirus software that has been updated with the latest antivirus definitions, and install the latest patches and security updates for Windows.

May 4, 2005
A new variant of the Sober e-mail worm that was detected on Monday, May 2, has spread so rapidly that it now accounts for approximately 77 percent of all viruses or worms sent via e-mail in the world.

Sober hides inside a “zip” file that is attached to e-mails. When this attachment is opened, Sober springs to life, infects the computer, harvests all of the e-mail addresses on that computer, then sends a copy of itself to those addresses.

Typically an e-mail carrying the Sober worm has one of the following subject lines:
• Re: Your Password
• Re: Registration Confirmation
• Re: Your email was blocked
• Re: mailing error
• Re: [blank]

DO NOT open or run any attachments sent to you in an instant message or e-mail unless you are expecting to receive the attachments and unless you are 100% positive they are safe. If you are uncertain whether or not a friend or loved one intentionally sent you an attachment, simply call him/her or send an e-mail inquiry. The possibility exists that his/her computer is infected with a virus or worm that has sent copies of itself to each e-mail address found on the computer.

The best way to ensure the privacy of the files, credit card numbers, financial statements, and other sensitive data stored on your computer is to patch the holes in Windows by visiting the Windows Update website; use a trusted antivirus program and download the latest antivirus definitions; and use a software and/or hardware firewall to make your computer “invisible” to hackers while you use the Internet.