The Badtrans.B worm has spread wildly - with its payload being a program that steals your keystrokes and sends them to an address on the Internet, assumably where the creator can steal your passwords. The worm is automatically invoked when you view the message. You don't need to open an attachment. It can even be invoked if you view the message without opening it in the Outlook Preview Pane.

To reduce your risks, install Microsoft's security patch (for Outlook users). All users should install and update your anti-virus software.

• Download locations for this patch
  • Internet Explorer 5.01
  • Internet Explorer 5.5

Security Update, March 29, 2001

• McAfee VirusScan 4.0.3 or higher and Dr. Solomon 8.x DAT File Update
• Symantec W32.Badtrans.B@mm Update