On January 26, 2004 a new email worm was released. As of today, the worm has different names depending on the anti-virus program you use. The names are:

→ W32.Novarg.A@mm - (Symantec Norton Anti Virus)
→ W32/Mydoom@MM - (McAfee)
→ WORM_MIMAIL.R (Trend)

These names all reference the same worm that is wreaking havoc on the internet. On February 1, this worm will attempt to launch a Denial of Service (DoS) attack on various sites across the internet, which could cause massive slow downs and outages

How the Worm is Activated and Spread
An email with an infected file attachment is sent to many recipients. The actual content of the email will vary, but the email will contain a file attachment (with a file extension of .pif, .scr, .exe, .cmd, .bat, or .zip) that infects the recipient's computer ONLY if the recipient tries to open the file attachment.

What this Worm Does
If your computer is infected, this worm will use its own built in mass emailer to send out hundreds of messages from your computer to people in your address book, or to email addresses that were listed on web pages that you have visited.

In addition, this worm will give false name and address information (known as spoofing) of the sender, so you really don't know who the email is from. It may appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a business associate, friend, or even the government. Also, someone may receive an infected email that appears to come from you, but really doesn't. If you receive a notification that someone received an infected email from you, it does not necessarily mean your computer is infected. It could simply mean that someone's infected computer has your name in their address book. In any event, you should double check to make sure your computer is "clean" by using your favorite anti-virus program. Please make sure your anti-virus program has the latest virus updates.

What You Can Do
Don't open file attachments with a file extension of .pif, .scr, .exe, .cmd, .bat, or .zip EVEN if the file appears to be from someone you know. A friend's computer can be infected and send you an email without their knowledge or the email may only appear to be from your friend.

What if My Computer is Infected?
Visit your anti-virus program's web site and follow instructions. For example, if you use Symantec (Norton) anti-virus you can go to sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.novarg.a@mm.html where you will be instructed on how to detect and eliminate the worm. Caution: Follow the instructions carefully because removing these worms can be difficult and risky.

Why is this being discussed on the SBIR Gateway? AND REPRODUCED IN THE WSSI NEWSLETTER?

1. Due to the popularity of the Zyn SBIR Gateway, thousands of people have our email addresses (such as rick@zyn.com, sbir@zyn.com, info@zyn.com) in their web browser's storage area (known as cache). (same with the WSSI Newsletter Distribution List) Many of the worms take email addresses from this cache, then send infected emails purporting to come from one or more of these cached addresses (such as sbir@zyn.com). We have been made aware of some infected emails that people thought came from us, but actually came from another person's infected computer. This is happening to many of us on the Internet.

Although no one is totally immune, we monitor our systems closely and adhere to the advice listed above in order to greatly reduce the chances of distributing infected emails. Zyn (and WSSI) never send emails with file attachments ending in .pif, .scr, .exe, .cmd, .bat, or .zip. If you receive such an email, please delete it without opening it.

2. You may receive an infected email purporting to be from an important SBIR program manger. For example, we received an infected email saying it was from Jeff Bond, DoD SBIR Program Manager. After further investigation we found that the email actually came from a DSL user on the Eschelon Telecommunications network in Minneapolis, MN. We are sure that neither Mr. Bond nor the real sender are aware of the email. However, some people would instantly open the file attachment because it appears to be from an important DoD contact.

In the case of this spoofed email, there is no need to contact the spoofed sender (in this case Mr. Bond) because he had nothing to do with the email and can do nothing about it.

3. If your computer becomes infected and sends out hundreds of infected emails, your email address may become blocked by anti-virus or spam prevention systems. The net result is that your emails are rejected by certain systems without ever notifying you of this action. If we apply this case to the SBIR/STTR arena, your email to a program manger or government contracts person may never reach them and you may miss an important opportunity. For important email, always request a confirmation from the recipient. If your email address is on a site's spam list, you can request to be removed from that list. The process varies from site to site.

Additional Precautions
This worm can only infect your computer if you open the file attachment. Please be advised that there are some older worms (and likely some future ones) that do not require opening a file attachment. For this reason, always stay current with your computer's operating system updates. Windows is currently the most targeted operating system for viruses and worms. Because of this, you should consider using the "Windows Update" feature often. Mac and Linux users are not immune to viruses, but is not targeted as often.

When & Where: March 9 & 10, 2004, 8am - 5pm & 8am - Noon, respectively, Gillette, WY (lunch on your own)
Workshop Agenda: This two day workshop is designed for personnel who are anticipating receiving grant funding or have obtained grant funds. Learn the key components of grants management and compliance. The following topics will be discussed: planning for the funded project; implementing the project; ensuring fiscal integrity; monitoring the project; demonstrating accountability; evaluating the project; auditing requirements; solving problems; and terminating and closing out projects.
Who Should Attend: Administrators and Managers of the Project, Business Managers, Administrative Assistants, For-profit or Non-profit Grant Funded Entities, anyone anticipating receiving grant funding or has already obtained grant funds.
Cost: $100/person ($75 for second person from same small business or agency) Cost includes materials.
Workshop Facilitator: Sheela Schermetzler of Resource Development Consulting. Sheela has over eight years experience in writing and administering grant funded projects totaling over $19 million dollars.
To register or for more information please call: Scheela Schermetzler at 307-685-6663
Sponsored By: Campbell County CARE Board

Partners can play vital roles in helping small businesses win in SBIR competition, and build successful enterprises. Partners can provide assets and resources that complement those at the small business, and enable achievements that otherwise would be unattainable.

Success in SBIR competition and in growing a small business requires a full spectrum of assets. These include science, technology, management, administration, marketing and sales, financing and more. Most small businesses are asset rich in some categories (e.g., science and technology) but asset poor in others (e.g., marketing and manufacturing). Partnerships are a mechanism to provide complementary assets to enable a winning team combination.

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Too many small businesses attempt to the meet the requirements of SBIR competition and business growth alone without seeking partnerships with outside resources. It takes time and sometimes money to develop relationships with quality partners, and to establish beneficial win-win partnerships. But the alternative is likely to be stymied SBIR competition success and business growth. Give high priority early to establishing synergistic partnerships for winning in the SBIR competition and for growing the business. They can make the difference between success and failure!!!