VIRUS ALERT

[helidrvr]

DO NOT OPEN ANYTHING THAT SAYS ' A VIRTUAL CARD FOR YOU' IN SUBJECT LINE
Subject: A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com ) and by McAfee (www.mcafee.com ) as the most destructive ever! This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon by McAfee and no vaccine has yet been developed. This virus simply destroys Sector Zero from the hard disk, where vital formation for its functioning are stored. This virus acts in the following manner: It sends itself automatically to all contacts on your list with the title 'A Virtual Card for You'. As soon as the supposed virtual card is opened, the computer freezes so that the user has to reboot. When the ctrl+alt+del keys or the reset button are pressed, the virus Destroys Sector Zero, thus permanently destroying the hard disk. Yesterday in just a few hours this virus caused panic in New York, according to news broadcast by CNN (www.cnn.com ). This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself. So don't open any mails with subject 'A Virtual Card for You'. As soon as you get the mail, delete it. Please pass on this mail to all your friends.

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You are welcome to visit HELIDRVR here (http://www.helidrvr.homestead.com)

[This message has been edited by helidrvr (edited 19 January 2001).]

[Dr. Red]

I can find no mention of this virus on CNN.com, or Mcafee. Nor on any other news network (at least, not yet). Certainly no news of "panic in New York".

It is impossible for software to physically damage hardware, except in very old hard drives.

Also, it is impossible for software to intercept a physical reset.

And I doubt Microsoft and McAfee would so quickly dub a virus "the most destructive ever". It sounds like a wind-up to me.

I have been known to be wrong before though, and I know you are reliable, Helidrvr. But maybe you have a bad source?

[Strikie]

Check out this link:
http://service1.symantec.com/sarc/sarc.nsf/html/Virtual.Card.for.You.html

It is a hoax

[matelot]

Helidrvr - quote from you, "Please pass on this mail to all your friends."

Whilst there may be no virus in your post, viruses propagate because of 'Please pass on this mail to all your friends!'

Just a thought.


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Me, sweat? I'm that cool, it's condensation.

[scroggs]

From the link mentioned above:

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Virtual Card for You
Reported on: January 10, 2001
Last Updated on: January 15, 2001 at 09:53:15 AM PST


The Virtual Card for You is a hoax that should be ignored. The following is the text that may be received as an email message:

Virus Alert VIRUS WARNING To ALL INTERNET USERS:

A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) and by McAfee (www.mcafee.com) as the most destructive ever!

This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon by McAfee and no vaccine has yet been developed. This virus simply destroys Sector Zero from the hard disk, where vital information for its functioning are stored.

This virus acts in the following manner: It sends itself automatically to all contacts on your list with the title "A Virtual Card for You".

As soon as the supposed virtual card is opened, the computer freezes so that the user has to reboot. When the ctrl+alt+del keys or the reset button are pressed, the virus destroys Sector Zero, thus permanently destroying the hard disk.

Please distribute this message to the greatest number of people possible. Yesterday in just a few hours this virus caused panic in New York, according to news broadcast by CNN www.cnn.com). (http://www.cnn.com).) This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself.


Category: Hoax

Please ignore any messages regarding this hoax and do not pass on messages. Passing on messages about the hoax only serves to further propagate it.

Write-up by: Neal Hindocha