Xtra, New Zealand's leading internet service provider, has put in place a range of filtering processes designed to
protect customers from the so-called "love bug" computer virus.
Xtra Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Kenrick said today filtering was aimed at identifying and preventing further
distribution of email messages containing the virus.
So far, Xtra has deleted more than 17,000 such messages.
Mr Kenrick said Xtra staff were alerted to the "love bug" on Thursday night and had filtering processes in place by 8am
on Friday.
"Message filtering has now slowed to approximately 2 messages per minute from a peak of 2 messages per second on Friday
morning," he said.
"Our key focus now is to identify any new variants of the "love bug" virus," he added.
It is believed the early version of the virus read:
Title: ILOVEYOU Text: kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me.
Other variations have been detected. These include:
Title: fwd: Joke Text: (empty)
Title: Mothers Day Order Confirmation Text: We have proceeded to charge your credit card for the amount of $326.92 for
the mothers day diamond special. We have attached a detailed invoice to this email. Please print out the attachment and
keep it in a safe place.Thanks Again and Have a Happy Mothers Day! mothersday@subdimension.com
Title: Dangerous Virus Warning Text: There is a dangerous virus circulating. Please click attached picture to view it
and learn to avoid it.
Customers should be warned that as the virus mutates other versions are circulating.
Mr Kenrick said: "As New Zealand's leading Internet service provider, Xtra is committed to protecting Xtra customers,
and providing information and assistance to all New Zealand internet users."
Xtra’s website www.xtra.co.nz offers links to some of the leading anti-virus products, and tips on how people can make
themselves more secure on-line.
For information on the "love bug" people should click on the word "viruses" on the "Online Help" panel.
ENDS