VIRUS - A REAL NEW THREAT ACCORDING TO SNOPES

[Jay Gould]

THIS IS REAL


Note: this is a current warning, not an old one.

Avoid the F1 key

True. Check link. http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/f1key.asp

Rec'd this "heads up" this morning . . . good thing not to do. While browsing on the web, a notice is given to press your F1 key (that's across top left of your keyboard, and usually means "Help". Not this time.
It will release a potent virus in your computer. . . if you don't press F1, you will be reminded until you do. . .just click on the little 'x' on the window, or close your browser totally - might even be better
to reboot.

Click on the SNOPES link below for further confirmation at of this threat.

Do not press the F1 key no matter how many times your computer asks you to.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/f1key.asp

[Ed Cordes]

Thanks Jay. this one sure looks real. I note it is not a factor for WIN 7 users - for now!!

[Alfred Forns]

Thanks Jay A new way to cause damage !!! Much appreciated

[Jay Gould]

NOT A HOAX
Hoax-Slayer reports:
Brief Analysis
The warning is valid. Microsoft has announced that because of a vulnerability in VBScript when using Internet Explorer in older versions of Windows, pressing the F1 key when on a specially crafted web page could install malware on the visitor's computer. The vulnerability is not present in Windows Vista or Windows 7. At the time of writing, Microsoft notes that they are not aware of any actual attacks that have use this method.

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

Thanks Jay, I am on Win 7 and use only Mozilla Firefox but I have heard nasty stuff about the F1 virus on IE.

[Harshad Barve]

Thanks Jay , great help indeed