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publication: Christian ALT	TLAalert    Security Service
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The virus infects Word and Excel documents and is set to insert random shapes into Word or Excel documents on August 17th and December 25th, similar to the MELISSA virus. It also replicates via e-mail and has the potential to clog up organization's email systems.

The new virus is activated when the document, in which it is contained, is opened. The virus then uses Outlook to e-mail copies of itself to all the entries in the address book. The virus can also effect the Autoexec.bat command of computers using the Windows 98 operating system and can attempt to format the C: drive.

The bug was identified in the United Kingdom by Sophos. Content Technologies, the leading provider of content security solutions, had a solution within an hour for its six thousand world-wide customers of its e-mail security program, MAILsweeper.

"Cybernet has been reported in the field, and CA virus researchers are monitoring the situation closely," the company said.

According to Computer Associates (stock: CA), the infected e-mail arrives with a subject line "You've Got Mail!!!" and the enclosed message reads, "Please, saved [sic] the document after you read and don't show to anyone else. This document is also VIRUS FREE ...so DISREGARD the virus protection warning!!!"

Users who follow that advice will find the attachment tries to format their hard drive after their next reboot, Computer Associates said.

"Cybernet is reminiscent of the Melissa virus and has been awarded a medium risk by CA's antivirus staff," the company said. "It has the potential to overload e-mail servers due to the volume of mail sent out automatically. Unlike the VBS worms recently discovered, Cybernet infects Microsoft Word and Excel files."

"Cybernet represents a high threat to all eBusinesses and home users due to its ability to completely flood mission-critical email networks," said Simon Perry, CA vice president, security solutions. "CA believes that by having generic solutions in place for new threats, such as the one offered by InoculateIT, computer users can stop the spread of new viruses and Worms before they are written."

All information provided is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the facts of the particular situation.