Email claiming to be from Microsoft

Just wanted to mention an email I received, claiming:

"Microsoft User this is the latest version of security
update, the "July 2003, Cumulative Patch" update which
eliminates all known security vulnerabilities affecting
Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express as well as
five newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to
protect your computer from these vulnerabilities, the most
serious of which could allow an attacker to run executable
on your system. This update includes the functionality of
all previously released patches."

It has an attached .exe file, which I'm sure is *not* what
it claims to be. Just wanted to give a heads up since no
doubt there are many users out there who don't know enough
to avoid it.

- Andy

Jason
Fri Jul 04 10:55:08 CDT 2003

* Andrew Shoemaker <andy@bunnyhutch.net>:
> Just wanted to mention an email I received, claiming:
>
> "Microsoft User this is the latest version of security
> update, the "July 2003, Cumulative Patch" update which
> eliminates all known security vulnerabilities affecting
> Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express as well as
> five newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to
> protect your computer from these vulnerabilities, the most
> serious of which could allow an attacker to run executable
> on your system. This update includes the functionality of
> all previously released patches."
>
> It has an attached .exe file, which I'm sure is *not* what
> it claims to be. Just wanted to give a heads up since no
> doubt there are many users out there who don't know enough
> to avoid it.
>
> - Andy

Or even users who don't do a search in a newsgroup to see if this is a
known problem. :) You're about 3 or more months too late Andy. The
question if this is really from MS gets asked on a daily basis now.

Thanks though for the attempt. :)

Jason

LuckyStrike
Fri Jul 04 13:54:51 CDT 2003

Andy,
Thanks for the heads up; I am not sure if you are a new user to the NG's,
but there *are many* who will come here today for their first time. Although
this issue arises on a continuing basis, surely there are many who've just
opened their first PC for the first time last week. Since the threat is
ongoing, your message has countered their attempts.

Since you are using the MS CDO newsreader, you have probably found that the
search function does not, well, search very well! This will be the case for
all users of the web page interface. Might I suggest that you set-up Outlook
Express as your newsreader? It is far and away more efficient on every level
and will enable you to access and enjoy the services provided in these
forums which greater ease.

Simple instructions - Set-up OE as a newsreader
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/community/newsgroups/setup.asp

FAQ's about OE newsreader
http://www.iup.edu/helpdesk/service/pc/software/outlookexp/usenet/newsfaq.shtm

Installing the newsreader- MS KB
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=/support/kb/articles/q182/1/67.asp

Set-up OE as newsreader
http://users.westelcom.com/rogersr/setupoe.htm

More info on OE newsreader
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

Screenshots of set-up
http://www.my-binaries.com/newsreaders-OutlookExpress-instructions.asp

Just to clarify a couple of things when you set up. The account and server
will be msnews.microsoft.com and *do not* check the box in the server tab
that says "this server requires me to log on".

HTH -

LuckyStrike
LS@smokedamagedfurniture.youcandriveitawaytoday.com
------------------------------
"Andrew Shoemaker" <andy@bunnyhutch.net> wrote in message
news:5b5101c3422c$ce2a51a0$a401280a@phx.gbl...
> Just wanted to mention an email I received, claiming:
>
> "Microsoft User this is the latest version of security
> update, the "July 2003, Cumulative Patch" update which
> eliminates all known security vulnerabilities affecting
> Internet Explorer, Outlook and Outlook Express as well as
> five newly discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to
> protect your computer from these vulnerabilities, the most
> serious of which could allow an attacker to run executable
> on your system. This update includes the functionality of
> all previously released patches."
>
> It has an attached .exe file, which I'm sure is *not* what
> it claims to be. Just wanted to give a heads up since no
> doubt there are many users out there who don't know enough
> to avoid it.
>
> - Andy


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