What Is the Sobig worm?
The "Sobig" worm, also known as W32.Sobig.f@mm, is a malicious program circulating on the Internet. If your computer becomes infected with the worm, an unauthorized person can remotely download and run programs on your computer, stealing confidential information from you, or use your computer to send spam.
What's happening now?
Security experts have just determined that the Sobig.f worm is designed to wake up at 3 p.m. ET on Fridays and maybe also on Sundays and download an unknown program to an infected computer. The program could be something malicious or it could be something benign.
Can this happen to me?
Yes, if you use Windows and are infected with the worm. The worm can infect Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP. Macintosh operating systems are unaffected by this worm.Â
How Can IÂ Protect Myself?
1. Be careful and don't get infected with the worm. Don't download any e-mail attachments, even from people you know, with any of the following subject lines:
   -   Re: Details
   -   Re: Approved
   -   Re: Re: My details!
   -   Re: Thank you!
   -   Re: That movie
   -   Re: Wicked screensaver
   -   Re: Your application
   -   Thank you
   -   Your details
The e-mail attachment might have one of the following names:
   -   your_document.pif
   -   document_all.pif
   -   thank_you.pif
   -   your_details.pif
   -   document_9446.pif
   -   application.pif
   -   wicked_scr.scr
   -   movie0045.pif
2. Update your anti-virus software with the latest virus definition file from your vendor and run a scan of all the files on your hard drive.
If you don't have anti-virus software, you can subscribe to McAfee VirusScan Online -- Brought to you by AOL and get the latest updates every time you log on to AOL. You can also purchase anti-virus software from other vendors.
3.   If you have a broadband connection or are connecting to AOL using a non-AOL dial-up, install a firewall and don't turn it off.
AOL for Broadband members who don't already have a firewall can download a free version of McAfee's firewall, compliments of AOL for Broadband, at McAfee Personal Firewall Express.
What If I am Already Infected?
You can remove this virus manually -- however, we don't recommend that you do so. The best way to remove the worm is to update your anti-virus software and run a complete scan of the hard drive. If your anti-virus software finds a virus, follow the vendor's instructions for removing the virus.
What Else Can I Do to Protect Myself?
Download and install any security patches for your operating system and any other programs you have installed on your computer.
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