A Post Card from a Family Member Hoax
Additional type information.
Date that AVERT discovered this threat.
File size, in bytes, of the threat.
McAfee DAT files contain detection and repair information for threats. The Minimum DAT field specifies the lowest/oldest DAT version that is capable of detecting the first incarnation of a threat, and the release date. The highest/newest DAT version should always be used for the most complete protection and are available on the Anti-Virus Updates page.
Each description displays the minimum, fully tested, DAT version that includes regular detection for a particular threat. These fully tested DATs are released on a daily basis. If necessary, they are also released when a Medium, Medium On Watch, or High risk threat is discovered. An EXTRA.DAT will also be posted for these more prevalent threats, if necessary.
For each description listed, detection is always available. In the event that the DAT version specified is not yet available, an EXTRA.DAT file may be downloaded via the McAfee AVERT Extra.dat Request Page. Alternatively, minimally tested HOURLY BETA DAT files are available for downloading.
McAfee DAT files are constantly being updated to enhance detection capabilities. The Updated DAT field specifies the released DAT version that contains the most up to date detection.
The scan engine uses the DAT files to detect threats. The Minimum Engine field specifies the lowest/oldest engine version that is capable of detecting this threat. The highest/newest engine version should always be used for the most complete protection and are available on the Anti-Virus Updates page.
Date/time this description was published using Pacific Time.
Date/time this description was last modified using Pacific Time.
Risk Assessment
- Corporate User
-
N/A
- Home User
-
N/A
Tab Navigation
Overview
Avert Labs HOAX Notice!!
McAfee Avert Labs would like to inform you of an email HOAX.
This email message is just a HOAX, currently we know of no other message that
the user will receive about the HOAX as the initial email states. AVERT has
not received any report of a user's hardware being damaged by receiving the
email.
We are advising users who receive the email to delete it and DO NOT pass it
on as this is how an email HOAX propagates.
Below is the actual text from the message that may be received via
email.
A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft
as the most destructive ever. This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon
by McAfee . 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:
"You've received a Post Card from a Family
member".
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.
This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself.
So don't open any mails with subject: "A
Post Card from " As soon as you get the mail, delete it !! Even if
you know the sender !!!
Please pass this mail to all of your friends.
Forward this to everyone in your address book.
I'm sure most people, like myself, would rather receive this notice 25
times than not at All |
These messages bear a strong resemblance to the messages associated with the
'Virtual Card for You' hoax.
All Information
Overview -
Avert Labs HOAX Notice!!
McAfee Avert Labs would like to inform you of an email HOAX.
This email message is just a HOAX, currently we know of no other message that
the user will receive about the HOAX as the initial email states. AVERT has
not received any report of a user's hardware being damaged by receiving the
email.
We are advising users who receive the email to delete it and DO NOT pass it
on as this is how an email HOAX propagates.
Below is the actual text from the message that may be received via
email.
A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft
as the most destructive ever. This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon
by McAfee . 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:
"You've received a Post Card from a Family
member".
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.
This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself.
So don't open any mails with subject: "A
Post Card from " As soon as you get the mail, delete it !! Even if
you know the sender !!!
Please pass this mail to all of your friends.
Forward this to everyone in your address book.
I'm sure most people, like myself, would rather receive this notice 25
times than not at All |
These messages bear a strong resemblance to the messages associated with the
'Virtual Card for You' hoax.
Characteristics
Characteristics -
Symptoms
Symptoms -
Method of Infection
Method of Infection -
Removal -
Removal -
-
Variants
Variants -
