Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe VIRUS ALERT Web security provider McAfee.com is warning of an outbreak of the "Goner" Internet worm, affecting home users as well as businesses. Advertisement The AVERT team has designated the risk of this virus as HIGH OUTBREAK -- its most severe rating. The recently discovered Internet worm is distributed via e-mail to Microsoft Outlook users and contains a payload that must be activated by the user, as it does not self-activate. The worm, when activated, can delete files from users' computers and then e-mail itself to every e-mail address contained in the user's address book. This mass-mailing worm arrives in a message containing the following information: Subject: Hi Body: How are you? When I saw this screen saver, I immediately thought about you I am in a harry, I promise you will love it! Attachment: GONE.SCR The new Goner worm comes quickly on the heels of the recent "Badtrans" Internet worm. Both viruses affect users of Microsoft Outlook, but the Goner worm appears to target various anti-virus and firewall files for deletion. McAfee.com anti-virus experts recommend that computer users update their anti-virus applications and services frequently to prevent infection from the Goner worm and other digital threats. Advertisement (Web site: mcafee.com)
