W97M.Heathen.12288.A

W97M.Heathen.12288.A is another attempt to combine the macro virus spreading power with Win32 programs. The virus is rather buggy. It does not work under Windows 98 or Windows NT. Even when it works under a Windows 95 system, the modified EXPLORER.EXE becomes unstable. It may also crash MS Word 97 after it infects the system.

Protection

• Initial Rapid Release version December 18, 2000
• Latest Rapid Release version December 18, 2000
• Initial Daily Certified version December 18, 2000
• Latest Daily Certified version December 18, 2000
• 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