Fake Microsoft E-Mails Are WORMS in Disguise

If you receive an e-mail from Microsoft and it even looks like a Microsoft image in the body of the message, Be Careful! These e-mails appear to be the result of the "W32/Swen.A@MM" virus which spreads via e-mail and network shares. It is a Mass-Mailing worm which disables processes related to security software such as antivirus and firewall software.

According to Microsoft, the worm typically spoofs an address ending in @microsoft.com. Many of the addresses are valid addresses that are being spoofed for malicious purposes. Some of the emails direct the reader to download an executable file from a web site- while others include an executable file which contains a virus. If you attempt to reply to these messages, you will be sending a message to the @microsoft.com e-mail address which was forged by this virus.

If you have received such an email, Microsoft recommends that you delete it immediately, and under no circumstances should you download or run the executable file. The email did not come from Microsoft. Microsoft claims to never send unsolicited emails with attachments. "Since this is the result of a spreading computer virus, there is no single source for us to investigate or track down", said a Microsoft representative. Information about Microsoft security policies and updates can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/news/patch_hoax.asp.

The following products may be affected by this worm are Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and other web-based e-mails

For more information on how you can protect your system from this virus, please follow the link below: PSS Security Response Team Alert - New E-Mail Worm: W32/Swen@MM:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/security/virus/alerts/swen.asp.

However, if you have already opened the attachment, or otherwise suspect your system is already infected, we suggest visiting the above sites for suggestions on removal and repair. We also recommend installing and running anti-virus software on your computer. A list of anti-virus software manufacturers can be found at:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500.

Here is an article on How to help protect your computer from viruses:
http://microsoft.com/security/articles/remedies_viruses.asp.

If you need further assistance with this issue, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of your anti-virus software. If you need further assistance from Microsoft, for more information about our technical support options, please visit:
http://support.microsoft.com

In addition, virus-related product support is now available at no-charge to all customers through Microsoft's new Microsoft Strategic Technology Protection Program (STPP). To access this service, please call the STPP toll-free number at (866) PC SAFETY (866-727-2338). Please be informed that this number only applies to customers residing in the USA or Canada.

Microsoft also introduces the Protect Your PC program, which is a three-step process on how you can take to improve your computer's security. You can follow the three steps online, or print them for easy reference. More information about this program is available at this site:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect.