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Q266045: XADM: The "Melissa Virus Incident" White Paper Is Available

Article: Q266045
Product(s): Microsoft Exchange
Version(s): 5.5
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): exc55
Last Modified: 23-OCT-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Exchange Server, version 5.5 
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SUMMARY
=======

On Friday March 26, 1999, several corporate networks across the world were
stricken with a Microsoft Word macro virus referred to as "Melissa." Because of
its unusual ability to propagate itself through electronic mail, the virus
forced companies to disable portions of their e-mail systems to prevent further
propagation both within and outside of their firms. Besides self-propagation,
the virus sent inappropriate e-mail to addresses that it found in personal
address books on Microsoft Outlook mail clients. A similar subsequent virus
recently targeted data destruction.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The "Melissa Virus Incident" white paper reviews key insights gained in the
Melissa virus incident from a Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) viewpoint. To
view the white paper, see the following Microsoft Web site:

  http://support.microsoft.com/support/exchange/content/whitepapers/melissa.doc
  (http://support.microsoft.com/support/exchange/content/whitepapers/melissa.doc)

Additional query words:

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Keywords          : exc55 
Technology        : kbExchangeSearch kbExchange550 kbZNotKeyword2
Version           : :5.5
Issue type        : kbinfo

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