An explanation - Viruses in messages

[Neil Jones]

The Snow White messages that have been sent around are a manifestation
of the Hybris Virus.
Technically it isn't a Virus but a combination of a Worm and a Trojan
Horse.
A worm being  a program that replicates itself working its way between
computers.
In this case the program uses Microsoft Outlook Express to replicate. It
makes the email progam
send copies of the virus to everyone in the Address Book. Presumably
someone has the Leps-l
address in their address book. It isn't a malicious act as has been
suggested.
The Trojan Horse bit is the attachment which is made to look like some
sexy porn picures or whatever
which the unforunate victim clicks sending a whole load of new messages
all carrying the virus.

The email address on the messages is a total fake  and when it was
created nobody owned the sexyfun.net address.
Since then an IT specialist has registered the name and uses it to
provide information about the virus.
to find our more visit http://www.sexyfun.net/ It is NOT a porn site.
Don't send them complaints about the virus.
They didn't make it. They set up the site to help people. The virus
actually originated in Brazil.

The worst thing about this is Outlook Express was deliberately written
to include the ability to manipulate
emails in this way. Microsoft has a lot to answer for here. Now some
smart idiot :-) has even written virus writing software
that lets any teenager create their own with very little technical
knowledge.
If you don't want to have to deal with these things DON'T USE Outlook
Express. I have been known to use it but
I rig it so it can't receive emails and therefore cannot become
infected.
You don't even have to use Windows at all for your email This is sent
using the Linux operating system which
cost me nothing at all and comes with the most amazing bundled software
(at least if you are a computer enthusiast.)


--
Neil Jones- Neil at nwjones.demon.co.uk http://www.nwjones.demon.co.uk/
"At some point I had to stand up and be counted. Who speaks for the
butterflies?" Andrew Lees - The quotation on his memorial at Crymlyn Bog
National Nature Reserve




 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl