SAMPLE BOGUS EMAIL
(My comments are in RED)


From: MS Internet Security Division [mailto:ycswnzqk-841515@zTGrpQmYlo.com] (Note the bogus email address...no Microsoft anywhere in it)
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 8:46 PM
To: Microsoft Partner (I'm not a "Microsoft Partner" are you?)
Subject: Network Security Patch.

Microsoft Partner

this is the latest version of security update, the
"March 2003, Cumulative Patch" update which eliminates
all known security vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer,
Outlook and Outlook Express as well as five newly
discovered vulnerabilities. Install now to protect your computer
from these vulnerabilities, the most serious of which could allow
an attacker to run executable on your system. This update includes
the functionality of all previously released patches.

Microsoft nor any other major software company releases updates via email...

System requirements Win 9x/Me/2000/NT/XP
This update applies to Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 4.01 and later
Microsoft Outlook, version 8.00 and later
Microsoft Outlook Express, version 4.01 and later
Recommendation Customers should install the patch at the earliest opportunity.
How to install Run attached file. Click Yes on displayed dialog box.
How to use You don't need to do anything after installing this item.

Sure this table looks official, but have you ever done a Microsoft update that was this easy??

 

Microsoft Product Support Services and Knowledge Base articles
can be found on the Microsoft Technical Support web site.
For security-related information about Microsoft products, please
visit the Microsoft Security Advisor web site, or Contact us.

Please do not reply to this message. It was sent from an unmonitored
e-mail address and we are unable to respond to any replies.

Thank you for using Microsoft products.

Best regards from
MS Internet Security Division

)2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. The names of the actual companies
and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Always be wary of this type of email!

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