Command AntiVirus Detects and Disinfects W97M/Melissa.A Virus

Strategic Insights -

On March 26, 1999, a rapidly spreading macro virus called W97M/Melissa.A was reported in-the-wild, infecting Word 97 and Word 2000 documents and e-mailing itself to up to 50 recipients. Command Software Systems, developers of Command AntiVirus, identified and provided a solution for the virus, using their HoloCheck scanning technology to detect and report the presence of the previously unknown virus. The company's Emergency Virus Response Team delivered a solution offering virus-specific detection and disinfection, and Command AntiVirus was found to be effective in protecting users even after they were infected.

Key Takeaways:

  • The W97M/Melissa.A virus infects Word 97 and Word 2000 documents, and e-mails itself to up to 50 recipients through the infected user's Microsoft Outlook address book.
  • The virus was detected and reported by Command AntiVirus using its heuristic scanning capabilities, known as HoloCheck scanning technology.
  • The virus inserts a message into documents when the current day of the month equals the current time, causing the message "Twenty-two points, plus triple-word-score, plus fifty points for using all my letters. Game's over. I'm outta here."
  • Command AntiVirus has earned Checkmark Level Two certification from West Coast Labs, meaning it detects 100% of viruses in-the-wild and disinfects 100% of these same viruses.
  • The company offers a free detection and disinfection solution for the virus on its Web site, and provides free test drives of Command AntiVirus for non-customers.

Statistics:

  • The W97M/Melissa.A virus was reported in-the-wild on March 26, 1999.
  • Command AntiVirus was found to be effective in 100% of virus infections, including W97M/Melissa.A.
  • The virus infects up to 50 recipients through the infected user's Microsoft Outlook address book.
  • Command AntiVirus is available for Windows 3.x, Windows 95 and 98, Windows NT, NetWare, DOS, OS/2, Lotus Notes, and Microsoft Exchange platforms.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, "Command AntiVirus Detects and Disinfects W97M/Melissa.A Virus", March 29, 1999.
  • Command Software Systems, "Press Release: Command AntiVirus Detects and Disinfects W97M/Melissa.A Virus", March 1999.
  • Command Software Systems, "Command AntiVirus: Features and Benefits", 1999.
  • West Coast Labs, "Checkmark Certification: Command AntiVirus", 1999.