W32.MFG.Tassos@mm

This virus hoax warns of a virus called "W32.MFG.Tassos@mm". However, no such virus actually exists.

The hoax reads as follows:

Dear all,

I am sorry to tell you that one of our mail-server was infected by W32.MFG.Tassos@mm. I had this Virus on my PC. You may be have received this virus if you read or send any mail the last 9 days. A infection is only possible on windows systems. The virus would be detected by NAV if you have the latest definition list. Infected mails seems to be clean, but they run a pernicious local windows-script that modifies or deletes the rundll32.exe and the aspi4.dll. It also modifies some registry entries. This virus makes copys of his sefl till your harddrive is totally full. Any mail can be infected. After cleaning your system, install the latest Definition list from symantec. The virus reads your Outlook-contacts, and will be sended to any one of them, if there is an e-mail address registered.

Many virus hoaxes:

• falsely claim to describe an extremely dangerous virus
• use pseudo-technical language to make impressive-sounding (but impossible) claims
• falsely claim that the report was issued or confirmed by a well-known company
• ask you to forward it to all your friends and colleagues

As usual, you are urged not to pass on warnings of this kind, as the continued re-forwarding of these hoaxes simply wastes time and email bandwidth.

It is possible that you may receive a hoax via email with a file attached. Obviously, such file attachments should be treated with caution as they may be virus infected. Sophos recommends deleting virus hoax emails, whether they contain file attachments or not.

Sophos suggests a policy to help prevent hoaxes from spreading in your company.