Newest Internet Explorer virus SWEN appears as an email update from Microsoft

Published: 9/20/2003

The latest virus to hit the Web poses as a security update from Microsoft and takes advantage of a two-year-old weakness in Internet Explorer.

Disguised as an official e-mail from Microsoft, the file comes attached to a note asking the recipient to install a "September 2003, cumulative patch" to protect against vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser and Outlook and Outlook Express e-mail programs.

If installed, the program, known as Swen or Gibe.F, attempts to disable firewall and antivirus software, gather password information and replicate itself via e-mail, as well as the Kazaa peer-to-peer network and Internet Relay Chat instant-messaging.

As a reminder, you should never install an update, security patch, or any other type of file that came through your email. Always get updates for Microsoft products through their official website http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

You should check the update status of your machine at least once a week. The link below will take you to the Microsoft Windows Update website

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