CA says don`t let `Lovebug` variant dampen Valentine`s Day spirit

Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) has reminded personal computer users and e-businesses to be prepared when utilizing online resources during Valentine`s Day. CA`s precaution comes in light of the new Italian language variant of the "ILOVEYOU" Visual Basic e-mail worm called "LoveLetter.CD" (also known as VBS/LoveLetter.CD, VBS.ILoveYou.CD, and VBS/LoveLet-CD), which CA global anti-virus researchers are calling a low to medium risk. LoveLetter.CD prorogates by the same method as previous versions, with the Italian language subject line:

"C`e una cartolina per te!" (English translation "This is a postcard for you!") and the message body: "Ciao, un tuo amico ti ha spedito una cartolina virtuale... mooolto particolare!" (English translation "Hi, a friend of yours has sent you a virtual postcard... veeery unusual (particular)!")

"Virus creators often attempt to utilize social engineering tactics - such as timely themed subject headings and attachment names - to persuade users into executing their malicious applications," said Ian Hameroff, CA business manager for anti-virus solutions. "At a time when many are expecting Valentines Day greetings from loved ones, it is imperative that computer users make themselves fully aware of the legitimate virus threats and possible hoaxes that they might also receive."

Users of CA`s multi-award winning InoculateIT antivirus solution are protected from all versions of LoveLetter, as well as a host of other viruses that appear year-round. Free promotional versions of CA`s InoculateIT, eTrust Content Inspection Personal Edition and eTrust Mail Watcher for home users can be downloaded from http://ca.com/proactivesecurity/etrust.htm.