hiscont@cc.unizar.es (Antonio-Paulo Ubieto Artur) (09/27/89)
I haven't yet got VIRUS-L Digests #197 to #199. It seems that my
contributions about the "Cookie virus" was included in one of these.
Just after receiving some kind postings about this item, I found on
the French magazine "Soft & Micro" (september 1989, p. 156) a
description and a photo of the "Sesame Street virus". The described
version seems to be old, the virus is said to have been one of the
first virus around in some American colleges. No harm is described:
the only requirement was to write "cookie" when the text "I want a
cookie !" appeared on the screen. Incidentally, on the photo, the
virus appears on a dBASEIII screen, not on a word-processing program.
I have to apologize. I described what seems to be a Spanish hack
- -or at least translation- of the "Sesame Street virus" or "Cookie
monster virus". This version seems to be more violent, as there were
lost files due to this virus.
I insist: I haven't yet seen this virus, neither has it caused any
damage -as far as I know- at my University. But if there is something
I awfully hate in computing is to loose data and having to rekey them
again. Therefore my contribution was more intended as a warning
message. If someone out there avoids only one of this loosings by
"giving a cookie", I thing it was worth the effort.
Of course, any preventive or removal method against this virus
would be appreciated. As it was said in one recent VIRUS-L Digest,
"the best virus is the dead one". And my colleagues here at the
University -some of them recently threathened by the "Friday-13 virus"
(sUMsDos variant)- would also have a little more peace of mind.
Thank you very much.
Antonio-P. Ubieto.
Department of Modern and Contemporary History.
Zaragoza University (Zaragoza, Spain - Europe).
hiscont@cc.unizar.es