ITinfo: MCI WorldCom Attacked By New Virus

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Remote Explorer

A new Windows NT virus

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MCI WorldCom Attacked By New Virus

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

A new computer virus, dubbed "Remote Explorer," attacked the systems of telecommunications giant MCI WorldCom earlier today.

The virus, which affects Windows NT networks, was detected early and MCI WorldCom says there was no damage to client data. Network Associates (NAI), formerly McAfee Associates, helped contain the virus and prevent extensive damage to sensitive data files.

Microsoft is working with NAI to deal with the virus which attacks WinNT systems running Intel chips in the Administrator mode.

The Remote Explorer virus compresses program files so they can't be executed and it encrypts data files so they are worthless to network users.

NAI expects to post a "detector" for the virus on its Web site within hours, and a "cleaner" to combat the virus will be posted later today.

ITrain's Dave Murphy said that this virus is a serious threat. Because it affects both executable and data files, it could potentially cripple an entire network system, and therefore, an entire enterprise.

Although the virus appears to attack only WinNT systems, it can be transported on any machine, including those running Win95, Win98, Netware, Unix, and the up-and-coming operating system, Linux.

Dave Murphy continues to recommend NAI's VirusScan and it's monthly updates to all computer users. This goes double for network administrators.

Network Associate's website: www.nai.com
Microsoft's website: www.microsoft.com
ITrain's website: itrain.org

Previous issues are on our website at http://itrain.org/itinfo/.

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http://itrain.org/itinfo/1998/it981221.html
updated December 21, 1998