posted on June 15, 2001 08:06:22 PM
Does anyone know the story behind the Snow White virus? I get this sent to my eBay registered e-mail account several times each week. I have a great virus protection program that always catches it and I know better than to open it anyway but I am curious where it comes from. Is this being sent to me unknowingly by a friend or an eBay buyer or is this being sent to me in particular with malicious intent? Is this just something that most eBay sellers get and just have to put up with? Thanks in advance for any insights you may be able to supply me with!
James
posted on June 15, 2001 08:11:53 PM
The Snow White Virus is real. I have been getting it for several months even before I started with eBay. DO NOT OPEN this email it will erase your hard drive.
posted on June 16, 2001 09:23:29 AM
Snow White is attached to an executable file, thus you HAVE to open an attachment to get it. For protection, you need to do the following:
1. Keep your virus software up to date. Sounds like you've already done this.
2. Instead of opening attachments, download them first to a readily identifiable folder made for the purpose. Then use your virus software to scan the downloaded file. If the file passes the test, you can then open it.
3. As a rule, I don't open attachments from people I don't know. However, as one very astute, and computer-literate AW member pointed out to me, most viruses are passed on by friends unknowingly. So, scan ALL attachments before opening them.
Chances are your are getting the virus from a friend who is unaware that he's passing on the virus. This is how I came to get Snow White on my computer at work.
