Virus masquerading as patch?

[Steve Robertson]

Hi,

Several times in the last few weeks I have received an email from "MS
Internet Public Services" with an executable attached. One I received today
begins as follows:

"Microsoft Customer:
This is the latest version of security update, the "September 2003,
Cumulative Patch" update which eliminates all known security vulnerabilities
affecting Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express. "

Does Microsoft send these? I have never installed them because I never
execute an attachment I haven't specifically requested. The reply address
is-

(e-mail address removed)

not the usual Microsoft return address, obviously.

Steve

 

[Tim]

Microsoft has never and will never distribute patches for any of their software
through the use of email.

The attached file is a virus.

For OS updates, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Tim

 

[Steve Robertson]

Thanks, Tim!

S

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Hi,

Several times in the last few weeks I have received an email from "MS
Internet Public Services" with an executable attached. One I received
today begins as follows:

"Microsoft Customer:
This is the latest version of security update, the "September 2003,
Cumulative Patch" update which eliminates all known security
vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook
Express. "

Does Microsoft send these? I have never installed them because I never
execute an attachment I haven't specifically requested.

It's a well-known hoax, containing a virus. You were wise not to
execute it. Microsoft never sends out patches by E-mail.