Tentacle

Tentacle is one of the first viruses to specifically target Windows executable files. Tentacle only infects programs written for 16-bit versions of Windows by direct infection. It does not become memory resident; rather, it loads, infects other files, and passes control back to the host file.

Tentacle contains no destructive payload. It only reproduces by infecting other files.

Protection

• Initial Rapid Release version December 18, 2000
• Latest Rapid Release version July 19, 2008 revision 019
• Initial Daily Certified version December 18, 2000
• Latest Daily Certified version January 20, 2009 revision 048
• Initial Weekly Certified release date pending

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

Threat Assessment

Wild

• Wild Level: Low
• Number of Infections: 0 - 49
• Number of Sites: 0 - 2
• Geographical Distribution: Low
• Threat Containment: Easy
• Removal: Easy

Damage

• Damage Level: Low

Distribution

• Distribution Level: Low