The Cybernet Virus

What is the Cybernet virus?

The Cybernet virus is an Office 97/2000 Word/Excel Macro virus. It has a worm element, similar to Melissa, in that it attempts to spread itself by sending mail to the first 50 people in the Outlook Address Book. The subject of the mail is "You've GOT Mail !!!". In addition, on 17 August or 25 December it activates and attempts to reformat the PC's hard drive.

Where can I find more information about this virus?

Below are some links to information posted by others. While we believe this information may be useful and reasonably accurate, we have neither authenticated nor verified any of it.

F-Secure's Web site

Symantec's and Network Associates' most recent virus definitions can both detect this worm. You should use your regular update mechanisms to get the latest version of these virus definition files. See Symantec's Web site for current information on Norton AntiVirus updates and NAI's Web site for current information on McAfee VirusScan and Dr. Solomon's updates.

How can I remove the Cybernet virus?

Follow the instructions found at the Web sites mentioned above, or contact the PCSC for help (353-7272, pcsc@bu.edu).

If you are affiliated with Boston University, you can download and install the latest version of Network Associates' McAfee VirusScan for free, as Boston University has a site license for this product. Please visit BU's anti-virus software Web site for more information. This site will prompt you for your BU login name and password before allowing access. Note that this program checks for, but does not remove, the Cybernet virus.

I received e-mail saying that a message I sent to someone at Boston University could not be delivered because my message might contain the Cybernet virus. What should I do?

It appears that your system may be infected. As described above, the Cybernet virus has probably used Outlook on your system to send infected e-mail to the addresses in your MAPI address book. To avoid sending this virus on to new recipients, you should download the appropriate virus definitions for your anti-virus product and then disconnect your computer from the network until you have completely removed the Cybernet virus and protected your computer against re-infection.

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