Security Alert: Happy99.exe Virus Is Here

If you saw a "Happy New Year 1999" fireworks display when you opened an attachment to your email or newsgroup message, you now have the "Happy 99.exe" virus.

Besides providing Windows 95 and 98 users with short-lived entertainment, this "worm" has modified a file (called wsock32.dll) on your computer. Once you have executed the attachment, every email or newsgroup posting you send will also send Happy99.exe as an "unauthorized" attachment without your knowledge. Hence the name worm.

How Big a Problem Is It?

Although this worm may create network slowdowns, it reportedly does not destroy or alter files or crash computers or networks. But it is a nuisance and serves as a warning to be careful about attachments, even from people you know who may unwittingly be sending you a worm--or worse.

What Can I Do If I Have the Virus?

You need to fix your computer so you do not pass the virus to others. Download a patch from the Web site of one of the anti-virus companies. You can read more about Happy99.exe at www.msnbc.com/news/235662.asp and on many other Web sites. "Protecting Your Computer From Computer Viruses" at www.washington.edu/computing/virus.html has information about types of viruses and general tips on what to do. Also, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) at www.cert.org/ provides information on viruses, trojan horses, and other attacks.

University of Washington Computing & Communications
Windows on Computing, No. 23, Spring 1999
newsltr@cac.washington.edu