Let's review the ways to avoid getting infected with a virus:

• Keep virus software on your computer, and keep it up-to-date.
• If you have a high-speed connection, consider installing a good firewall (such as the free Zone Alarm) so that some punk can't hack you and "push" a virus into your computer.
• Always be aware of what media you put into your computer, and its history. That floppy disc that you used on the computers at the public library may be suspect.
• Be weary of downloading from questionable sources, such as web sites make wild claims (i.e. free nude video of Britney Spears).
• Don't use file-sharing programs, such as Kazaa-Lite, unless you have up-to-date virus protection
• Above all else, do not open attachments unless you know the sender and the message makes sense!

For most users, this is all elementary. It does not hurt to repeat it, however, as we continue to hear about rapid virus attacks that keep exploiting the same old techniques.

The lastest nasty making the rounds is the Lovegate virus, which is a worm that can destroy the data on an infected computer. It may be sent by someone you know -- a friend, family member, co-worker. The message will say, "Take a look at the attachment and send me your opinion." If you click on the attached file, your computer will be infected, and the virus may spread to others.

When activated, "Lovegate" sends a reply to every message in a user's Inbox (Outlook or Outlook Express). These messages appear to be from the user, but they include the virus as an attachment.

If you get a message like this, simply delete it. (You might also want to inform the person who sent it that they seem to be infected with the Lovegate virus.)

Lovegate is rated as having "High" damage potential by Trend Miro and "High" distribution potential by Symantec.

27 February 2003  |   permalink