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 The millennium bug may spark a virus epidemic as computer-users apply last-minute patches, experts have warned. Microsoft has already felt the first sting of the Y2K-related virus onslaught in the form of an e-mail Trojan horse that steals sensitive Windows user-name and password information. The latest scare centres on a bogus Y2K software update that purports to come from Microsoft's technical support team. Symantec Anti-virus Research Centre (SARC) regional manager David Banes said virus writers could flood the Internet with more fake software patches for millennium bug problems. "You've got to be very careful about this in the lead-up to January 1," Mr Banes said. "As we get closer, the risks will increase." Mr Banes said IT managers should aim to address the problem at the e-mail gateway, since there were few additional precaustions available at the client-software end. "Every organisation needs good working practices," Mr Banes said. "They need to make sure staff know what they can and cannot open on e-mail." A blanket ban on Internet attachments was unlikely to work because it would impose impractical restrictions, Mr Banes said. A Network Associates virus analyst said the so-called Microsoft Year 2000 Counter program could steal key Windows name and password data after replacing a critical Internet connectivity program file, Wsock32.dll. The fake e-mail carrying the malicious attachment has circulated under the subject heading "Microsoft Announcement" with the sender listed as [email protected] Microsoft has acknowledged the hoax on its Year 2000 Resource Centre Web site, advising customers to delete teh software immediately. "Microsoft doesn't distribute Y2K-related updates through e-mail, and we don't send attachments through e-mail," Windows priduct marketing manager Tony Wilkinson said. Internet users should scan e-mail messages with up-to-date anti-virus software and be very careful when receiving attachments online, Mr Wilkinson said. So if you want to download any Y2K stuff for your computer, be very careful where you get it from. Banners like the one above could infest your computer with a destructive virus! www.symantec.com www.microsoft.com |