REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 5, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. has learned that the Microsoft® Windows®
95 operating system is the target of a new computer virus, called the
“Boza”
virus. The virus is not contained within the Windows 95 product. Although the virus is not widespread, users of Windows 95 should be aware that they might encounter it by downloading and running an infected program from the Internet, an electronic bulletin board or online service, or by running a program from a floppy disk containing the virus.
To mitigate the spread of the virus, Microsoft is working closely with anti-virus software vendors such as Symantec Corp. and McAfee Associates to provide protection as soon as possible. McAfee has posted an anti-virus update to address this virus, and Symantec will do so shortly.
Running an infected program can infect up to three 32-bit Windows-based applications in the current directory. When an infected program is executed, it may display a dialog box with a message from the authors of the virus. Apparently the virus copies itself to other programs only to display its message.
As with any virus, Microsoft suggests that customers take the following steps:
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Do not run unknown programs that are downloaded or copied from a floppy disk.
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If unknown files have been executed on the machine or if the user is unsure, obtain a current virus scanner from an anti-virus software vendor and check the system periodically for infections.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
