Security Note: Trojan Horse Virus Noted: Protection Measures Recommended by Semantec

(Ed.note: The Observer has noted increased spam attacks over the past week, and has taken steps to counter them. I have posted this security notice for readers to be on the lookout for the Trojan.Peacomm virus. It is presented via news stories. Symantec is the firm that makes the Norton AntiVirus software, and I have posted this as information only and not any recommendation of any sort. )


Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:58:00 -0800

From: "Symantec Store" Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert

To: woulfe98@yahoo.com

Subject: Outbreak Alert: Trojan.Peacomm threat level increased
To unsubscribe from this broadcast email, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.
To view this email as a web page, go here.


In order to ensure you are informed of the latest online threats, we wanted to alert you that Symantec Security Response raised the risk level of Trojan.Peacomm from a category 2 out of 5, to a category 3 threat, due to the speed and volume in which it is being aggressively spammed across the Internet. The Trojan, which was first spotted January 17, 2007 has been raised to a higher category following a sustained increase in new versions of the attack which appeared over the weekend as the malware author responded to improvements in protection made by security companies by adjusting his tactics.
Trojan.Peacomm is one of a number of spamming Trojan horse programs Symantec has seen lately that appear to originate from Russia and are clearly aimed at making money for the author by pumping up penny stocks. The victim is enticed through social engineering techniques to open an attachment, which typically appears to be a video clip on a recent, newsworthy event.

The trojan horse arrives as an attachment to an email purporting to contain a video of one of several different recent news stories. The email itself will have no message body, but will have one of several subject lines such as "A killer at 11, he's free at 21 and kill again!," "Fidel Castro Dead," "Re: Your Text." For a complete list of subject lines, please click here.


Symantec’s new technology, Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response (SONAR), which is included in Norton AntiVirus™ 2007 and Norton Internet Security™ 2007, helped to detect an increase in activity around supporting files dropped by Trojan.Peacomm early last week, before the threat was seen in the wild. If you need to upgrade your Internet Security, please select one of the options below:
Norton Internet Security™ $49.99 * - BUY NOW!

Norton AntiVirus™ $39.99 * - BUY NOW!

If your security software is up-to-date, but you are concerned you are infected, you can run LiveUpdate or download the removal tools.

Run LiveUpdate™
Virus Definitions are available via the LiveUpdate™ or the Security Response Website.

Removal Tool
If your computer has already been infected, click here to use our virus removal tool now.


To reduce the possibility of being affected by Trojan.Peacomm, Symantec Security Response advises users to do the following:
Keep antivirus and IPS detection signatures updated.
Never click on attachments or web links from unsolicited emails.
Regularly apply security patches and updates to all major software installed on the computer.
Use a security solution that contains antivirus and client firewall technologies, such as Symantec Client Security™ or Norton Internet Security™, to protect against today's known and tomorrow's unknown threats.


Make sure our emails end up in your inbox, not your bulk or junk folders.
Simply add symantec@reply.digitalriver.com to your email address book or trusted-sender list.

* Plus shipping and tax (if applicable). Valid in the US and Canada only. Prices may vary. With this service you receive the right to use this product on one PC or on the specified number of PCs during the service period, which begins upon initial installation. This renewable service includes protection updates and new product features as available throughout the service period, subject to acceptance of the Symantec License Agreement included with this product and available for review at www.symantec.com. Product features may be added, modified or removed during the service period. Subsequent renewals are available through an annual subscription. For information on On-Going Protection, click here.

** For Windows® XP Home/XP Pro. Eligible for a free Microsoft® Windows Vista™ compatibility update. Microsoft Windows Vista compatibility update subject to production release of the Windows Vista operating system within the service period. Separate downloads may be required. For more information, click here.

Copyright ©2007 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved.

You have received this message because you have registered to get information about Symantec and its products.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. If you require Customer Service or Technical Support, please check the Symantec Web Site for contact information at www.symantec.com.

For information on Symantec's Privacy Policy please click here.

For information on Symantec's Return Policy please click here.

Visit Symantec Security Response for Virus Definitions and Security Updates.

Symantec Corporation, 20330 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, California 95014