[cbmstephanie]

I very rarely receive virus alerts from our technology center, so when I do I know it's a problem. Thought some of you could probably benefit from the info.

VIRUS ALERT from the Technology Center Helpdesk. Please send to all users within your organization….

Over the past two weeks there has been an outbreak of a certain form of Malware/ Spyware/Virus. The virus is known as XP anti Virus 2008. You know you have the virus if it pops up on your screen saying XP Antivirus 2008 and looks like a normal antivirus program(similar look to windows defender). The virus claims that you need to purchase the software to remove your infected files. DO NOT purchase the software or click through any of the screen it is popping up, this will only let the harmful software dig further into your system.

So far we have found that the harmful software is being contracted through email and pop ups. When it comes through email the message says it’s coming from Fedex or UPS saying that your package cannot be delivered on time or at a certain date. Even though the message appears to be coming from UPS or Fedex it is not. If you get this email delete it immediately and DO NOT open it or download any of the attachments.

When it’s being contracted through pop ups it usually puts you in a state where you have to click okay because the X on the corners of the pop ups are grayed out and there are no other buttons to click to rid the pop ups from your screen. If you find yourself in this situation please contact the helpdesk immediately and do not try to exit the pop ups yourself. If we catch this soon enough we can divert the process of the virus being installed. Avoiding shady websites can cut back on the risk of getting this threat.

Removing XP antivirus 2008 is a long process and if it’s too far advanced can lead to a reload of your machine. The sooner we can catch it installing the easier it will be for us to remove.

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[nlstoldt]

That is exactly what happened to my computer this weekend. Thanks for the info! I just hope I can get rid of it!

[4boyssofar]

Amazing this is identical to what happened to mine over 2 weeks ago. I do not remember opening up a fake email from UPS or FEDEX. This is soooooo irritating and we have been unable to get rid of it. I am thinking we are going to need to bring it to circuit city and see if their techs can fix it.

[cbmstephanie]

Bumping for today's crowd.