The Novarg virus, also being called the Mydoom or MiMail.R, is the year’s first serious computer virus and is a cause for extra vigilance on the part of all Internet users. Like many other viruses, this bug is being spread via e-mail that can infect computers using a Windows operating system.

It is crucial that all computers have their virus protection software updated and ready to meet this threat. HunTel.net is currently using the virus protection function of E-Shield, our virus and spam filtering service, to limit the Novarg bug’s spread to our customers. All messages sent to HunTel.net e-mail accounts are scanned for viruses by E-Shield. However no system can guarantee to catch all infected messages so it is important for customers to ensure their individual computers are protected with updated virus protection software. E-Shield has blocked over 1,000 Novarg infected messages since the virus was first detected.

This potent virus first struck Monday afternoon and infected a number of large companies in the United States. It is now spreading itself around the Internet. The virus not only slows down connection speeds as it spreads itself using e-mail addresses from a victim’s address book, but it also installs a program on the infected computer that is designed to open a security hole through which personal data can be stolen.

Besides ensuring their virus protection software is up to date, customers need to look for e-mails that have what looks like a .txt file attached. The e-mail will look like it’s from a friend or family member. The body of the message often reads “The message cannot be represented in 7-bit ASCII encoding and has been sent as a binarry attachment.” Other messages in the e-mail’s body include “The message contains Unicode characters and has been sent as a binarry attachment” or “Mail transaction failed. Partial message is available.” Regardless of the message, the e-mail wants the user to open the attached .txt. file.

If you receive an e-mail like the one described above, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT. Instead, delete the e-mail, empty your deleted items folder and run your virus protection program’s scan feature.

If you have any questions about this virus or computer bugs in general, please call our technical support line at 533-5777 (Washington County and Omaha) or 1-888-491-9115. Or send us an e-mail at techsupport@huntel.net.