Computer Associates issues tips and techniques for virus protection in the wake of "I Love You" worm

Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) is providing the public with valuable tips to keep household PCs and eBusinesses clean of any new outbreaks of the "I Love You" Worm. CA`s global virus labs have detected several new variants in the last 36 hours with changes to the original email worm. The danger posed by these new variants remains as harmful as the initial versions.

All computer users should install antivirus software CA offers free antivirus software for home users that can be downloaded from http://antivirus.ca.com. Corporate users should make sure that antivirus software is installed properly on all computers in the organization. CA`s InoculateIT is the premier antivirus solution for networked environments offering unmatched management and virus protection. InoculateIT is certified by the International Computer Security Association (ICSA) to detect 100% of viruses "in the wild" and ensures a network is protected against potentially damaging and costly virus incidents.

Antivirus software must be updated

As the new worms and their variants attack and adapt to the techniques of antivirus software, the antivirus software should be kept up to date. Updates for all CA antivirus products are available online at http://support.ca.com.

Delete attachments with VBS extension

All attachments with a VBS extension should not be opened and should be deleted immediately.

Delete unsolicited emails

All computer users should delete any unsolicited emails. As the recent attacks have shown, the Worms have begun to use Microsoft Outlook`s address book, so it will appear as if a friend has sent you an email. If you are not expecting an email or the file name is different from the one you are expecting, delete the email and its attachment.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Emails will sit in the Recycle Bin and can still be executed from there. Make sure that the emails are deleted from the Recycle Bin.

Ensure that Information is Accurate

Traditionally, there are many rumours and virus myths that surface after widespread attacks, like the "I Love You" worm. Check with the CA web site at http://www.ca.com for updated and accurate information about the real viruses and any hoaxes that may be circulating.

"In the wake of the `I Love You worm,` CA is issuing tips and techniques to limit the extent of the damage of the worm and its variants," stated Simon Perry, vice president, security solutions. "Educating computer users, at home or an eBusiness, is the first step in making the Internet a safer place."

InoculateIT is part of CA`s eTrust solutions, which are built on CA`s Unicenter TNG Framework, providing a powerful, comprehensive, and integrated solution for building, deploying and securing eBusiness. eTrust enables eBusiness by safeguarding all mission-critical resources, from the browser to the mainframe.