Bagle Virus Riding on the Coattails of Spam; Deceiving Spam and Virus Filters

Spam Inspector Software Developers Working to Stay Ahead of Bagle to Keep Users Protected

August 9, 2004- New York, NY - GIANT Company Software developers are working round the clock to make sure that their anti-spam software, Spam Inspector, is staying ahead of the latest form of the Bagle virus also now known as Bagle.al.

The newest version of this virus was first detected earlier this week and has proven to be successful in fooling virus and spam filtering software. Its known method of delivery is spam email oftentimes containing attached zip files. The email is sent from a “spoofed” address or a familiar address the virus copies from the infected computer, the subject lines are typically blank, and the message itself is nonspecific. The content is kept small purposely as it is more likely pass through content filtering software undetected. Once the email is opened a fraction of the code is installed onto the computer the rest is automatically downloaded from mainly overseas Web sites. As soon as the virus is on place it is capable of renaming existing files and downloading unwanted ones.

“Prior to the popularity of Spam, it would often take virus quite a bit of time to travel their targets. However, since the birth of spam viruses now have a faster more direct mode of transportation. Virus developers encrypt the spam with their latest affliction and it’s off and running” Ron Francyzk, GIANT Company Software. The only upside to this new method of delivery is that the virus also hits the radar a lot faster can often be extinguished before too much damage is done. “As soon as a virus hits our radar, we know that time is our own worst enemy. We have to move quickly to make sure that our customers’ computers remain secure ”, Andrew Newman, GIANT Company Software.

Even though that it is thought that this latest outbreak is going to be short lived, it’s just a matter of time before we see its next of kin hitting the networks. Email users who have anti-spam software installed are usually less likely to be victimized than unguarded email users but as Bagel has proved filters are not always foolproof. One of the many great features of Spam Inspector is that is it supported by a team of developers working persistently to make sure that the software stays in front of the latest virus and email scams. The software self-updates regularly even hourly if necessary without the user having to perform a single configuration.

Spam Inspector is designed to capture the most simplified and most complex forms of spam, with one of the highest levels of accuracy and lowest false/positive ratings available on the market. Spam Inspector has a global learning network of over a half-million users, also providing developers with useful data for maintaining its’ powerful engine and users with a continuous sense of security.

For more information or for a free trial of Spam Inspector visit: www.giantcompany.com

About Giant Company Software, Inc.
Located in New York City, with offices in Chicago and Atlanta, GIANT Company Software is the leading provider of anti spam and Internet security products for the consumer and small to large businesses.

Released By:
Melissa Christie
VP of Marketing Communictions
GIANT Company Software
201.891.0905