'Bubbleboy' Virus Is Real... but Don't Panic

Email alerts are now circulating about a new worm called "Bubbleboy" which, under certain circumstances, can infect a computer simply through viewing an email. It targets Microsoft's Outlook mail reader on PCs.

Bubbleboy is NOT a hoax.  But don't panic.

Experts say Bubbleboy is not yet widespread and does not currently pose a dire threat to users. A patch is available from Microsoft to fix the security hole that Bubbleboy exploits.

Stay informed and take all due precautions, but beware of media hype. Practice "safe computing" all the time.

Reliable information:

'Bubbleboy' Given Low Risk Assessment
Detailed press release from the Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team at Network Associates

Bubbleboy!
Excellent, no-hype coverage by Internet Tourbus, including instructions for installing Microsoft's security patch.

What the Problem Is in Calm, Plain English
More from Internet Tourbus – an explanation of the Microsoft security hole and what you should do about it.

VBS/Bubbleboy is for Real
About.com's Antivirus Guide Ken Dunham provides a straightforward overview and lots of relevant links.

On the Bubbleboy Media Hysteria
Virus expert Rob Rosenberger takes Bubbleboy seriously but doesn't think it's worth losing sleep over.