Computer Troubleshooters Virus Warning

A new virus, convincing in its appearance, is apparently causing trouble for some organizations.

The offending worm arrives in an unsolicited e-mail message posing as an ironically unique invitation from Microsoft to download a beta version of Internet Explorer 7.0. As I wrote in an e-mail message to my clients today, please encourage employees/family members from clicking on the links/images within e-mail messages.

The e-mail message itself appears to come from admin @ microsoft.com, while the subject line reads Internet Explorer 7 Downloads. The e-mail includes an image inviting users to download Beta 2. Those who click on the image are directed to a download called ie7.0, which packs the W32Grum-A worm virus. If loaded, the file infects Windows systems, may track user information and may work to establish a network of other infected systems.

More information is available at SecurityWatch.