Microsoft Warns of Macro Virus Issues

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corporation has become aware of a Word macro virus, dubbed "Melissa," that has affected numerous PC users and companies. This virus exploits the macro functionality of Microsoft Office applications to create harmful viruses. Microsoft is taking proactive measures to notify customers via e-mail and its website, as well as working with the anti-virus community to educate users on the situation and minimize the impact of this class of virus.

A new variant, dubbed "Papa," has been reported, which affects Microsoft Excel 97 or 2000 and is delivered via e-mail in an attached Excel document. Users are advised to take precautions to prevent infection, including disabling macros when uncertain of their purpose or functionality, as well as deleting e-mails containing suspicious attachments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Melissa" virus is a Word 97 or 2000 macro virus delivered via e-mail in an attached Word document.
  • The "Papa" virus is a Microsoft Excel 97 or 2000 macro virus delivered via e-mail in an attached Excel document.
  • The virus will attempt to propagate itself by sending e-mail with the infected document to a number of recipients using the user's email service and Outlook address book.
  • The virus can generate commands that result in significant network traffic congestion without the user's knowledge.
  • Users should always disable macros when they are not certain of their purpose or functionality.
  • Microsoft Office applications are designed to protect users from macro viruses, but users must enable macro virus protection to prevent infection.

Statistics:

  • The "Melissa" virus has affected numerous PC users and companies.
  • The "Papa" virus is a new variant of the "Melissa" virus, reported on March 29, 1999.
  • The virus can send infected e-mails to 60 contacts automatically, without the user's knowledge.
  • The virus does not destroy data, but it can inflict significant network traffic congestion.
  • Users should visit [http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/articles/macroalert.htm](http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/articles/macroalert.htm) for more information on how to properly set Office macro virus protection.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corp.
  • M2 Presswire, "Alert on macro virus issues" (March 26, 1999)
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • M2 Presswire, "Alert on macro virus issues" (March 29, 1999)
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • http://www.cert.org/
  • http://www.icsa.org/