Norton Updates Virus Definitions To Include Simpsons Virus

Symantec has updated the Norton AntiVirus (NAV) definitions to include the latest virus to hit the Mac, the Simpsons Virus. The virus, which when run will send a copy of the original e-mail message to everybody in a useris Outlook Express or Entourage address book, is more a hinderance than a malicious threat. According to Symantec:

The Symantec AntiVirus Research Center discovers approximately 10 to 15 new viruses each day. However, the viruses discovered are predominately PC viruses. Recently, SARC discovered a new worm that targets the Macintosh platform -- Mac.Simpsons@mm.

Mac.Simpsons@mm is similar to other mass mailing worms affecting the PC platform such as the ILOVEYOU virus. However, the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) has received very few submissions of this worm to date. Mac.Simpsons@mm, which appears in the subject box as "Simpsons Episodes," opens Outlook Express or Entourage and sends a copy of itself with the original message to everyone in the useris address book. This virus does not appear to be malicious and is currently rated a " Category 2" (Symantec categorizes malicious threats on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most malicious).

Symantec recommends customers use the LiveUpdate feature built into Norton AntiVirus software to get the latest definitions, which includes protection against Mac.Simpsons@mm worm. Updates are also available at SARCis Web site: www.sarc.com.

You can find more information at the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center Web site.