I received an email supposedly from Microsoft for a security update. It is a virus! Thankfully I am smart enough to know that Microsoft does not send out updates via email.

If you receive this thing, don't open it!

The file containing the virus is called "installation6.exe" it is the "Worm.Automat.AHB" virus Do not open this.

Here is what the email looked like when I received It. Was in html format and looked like a Microsoft web page;
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Microsoft All Products | Support | Search | Microsoft.com Guide
Microsoft Home


Microsoft Customer

this is the latest version of security update, the "September 2003, Cumulative Patch" update which fixes all known security vulnerabilities affecting MS Internet Explorer, MS Outlook and MS Outlook Express as well as three newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to help protect your computer from these vulnerabilities. This update includes the functionality of all previously released patches.


System requirements Windows 95/98/Me/2000/NT/XP
This update applies to MS Internet Explorer, version 4.01 and later
MS Outlook, version 8.00 and later
MS Outlook Express, version 4.01 and later
Recommendation Customers should install the patch at the earliest opportunity.
How to install Run attached file. Choose Yes on displayed dialog box.
How to use You don't need to do anything after installing this item.

Microsoft Product Support Services and Knowledge Base articles can be found on the Microsoft Technical Support web site. For security-related information about Microsoft products, please visit the Microsoft Security Advisor web site, or Contact Us.

Thank you for using Microsoft products.

Please do not reply to this message. It was sent from an unmonitored e-mail address and we are unable to respond to any replies.

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The names of the actual companies and products mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Us | Legal | TRUSTe
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Accessibility

 

Wow...these guys are pretty slick. >

 

[quote author=Hoss link=board=10;threadid=19853;start=0#msg186798 date=1063985322]
Wow...these guys are pretty slick. >
[/quote]

Not slick enough I keep all my PC's updated, with the latest virus scan .dat files and firewalled. I have them check the microsoft website daily for security updates.

If you do these simple things, you can beat 99% of these bozos out there. I have never had a virus make it on to my machine that I am aware of, and I scan my entire system weekly.

All these things can be made to happen automatically on your computer, even while you sleep. So there is no reason NOT to keep your self safe.

 

I too have my systems setup to check for updates daily from Microsoft and Symantec. It also runs a virus check every night in the wee hours...

 

Top,

Just thought I would clarify part of your statement. Microsoft does not send out software updates as in patches or files of any kind. But they do send out Security Warnings and emails about required updates. Not everyone gets them. I get one a couple times a month.

Just so people realize you could receive a valid email from Microsoft, but if there's an attachment, it's bogus!

 

The part that gives it away was the line:

If you even remotely familiar with Microsoft, you'd know that that would be one HUGE patch!

Also, the fact that a single "patch" will fix all securtiy issues for Windows 95/98/Me/2000/NT/XP :
Those are different O.S. kernals and I dont think one patch would work across all kernals!

Rich

 

That would be the mother of all Service Packs.