The most award-winning anti-spyware software
Get serious about removing spyware with Spy Sweeper - the award-winning anti-spyware software trusted by millions of home computer users.
$29.95
Spyware & Virus Directory
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
WM.Alien
Risk Level 1: Very Low
SUMMARY
WM.Alien is a macro virus that infects Microsoft Word documents and templates. The virus may have originated in India, but it has also been reported in the United States.
Threat Assessment
Wild
- Wild Level: Low
- Number of Infections: 0 - 49
- Number of Sites: 0 - 2
- Geographical Distribution: Low
- Threat Containment: Easy
- Removal: Easy
Damage
- Damage Level: Low
Distribution
- Distribution Level: Low
TECHNICAL DETAILS
WM.Alien contains three macros:
- AutoOpen
- AutoClose
- FileSaveAs
WM.Alien spreads through the AutoOpen and AutoClose macros. If an infected document is opened, the virus infects the global template if it is not already infected. If the global template is already infected and a file is opened or closed, the document becomes infected. These two macro also disable the Customize and Macro menus under the Tools menu.
The FileSaveAs macro disables the use of SaveAs command under the File menu.
The AutoOpen macro also contains a number of possible message boxes that can appear when triggered. They only trigger if the current system date is after September 30, 1996.
The following table lists the triggers and messages:
 | Trigger date | Message box title | Message box text |
| August 1 (random .5) | Alien | Another Year of Survival … | Hides the program manager |
| Sunday (random .5) | Alien | It’s Sunday & I intend to relax ! | Hides the program manager (random .5)Closes current file (random .5) |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Now You See Me - Now You Don’t ! | Hides Microsoft Word |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Never Open Others Files ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Never Trust An Alien ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Don’t Believe All Tips ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Don’t Believe The Hype ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Three Cheers For The Alien. Hip Hip Hooray ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | I’ll Be Back ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Hi Beautiful ! | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | You Facinate Me. | |
| Random (.002) | Alien | Look No Further … | Exits Windows |
| Random (.004) | Alien | The ‘Alien’ Virus Has Arrived ! | Exits Windows |
| Random (.004) | Alien | The Alien Lives … | Exits Windows |
| Length of file name is | Tip From The Alien | Longer File Names Should Be Used. | |
Spy Sweeper 5.2 stops spyware in its tracks while offering home computer users the ability to configure the program to suit their specific needs, such as:
Choose a Quick, Full or Custom Sweep: With Spy Sweeper 5.2, you can easily choose to perform a quick, full or customized sweep. If you're looking for an immediate diagnosis, choose a quick sweep. For a pinpointed search, customize your sweep to have Spy Sweeper skip files by folder or file extension. For a deep cleaning, opt for a full sweep.
Exclude Files from a Sweep: Spy Sweeper allows you to save time during a sweep by skipping specific files or different sections of your PC. You can select specific file extension, such as .xls or .mpg to exclude.
Additional Highlights
As soon as it's installed, Spy Sweeper gives 360 degrees of protection against spyware, including:
Simple Sweeps: Detecting spyware and removing unwanted programs found on your computer in three effortless steps
Easy Management: Quickly and simply configure program, sweep and upgrade options
Fast Home: Use the home screen to access the most commonly used functions of Spy Sweeper
Shields Summary: A redesigned shields summary page makes it simple to see at a glance which shields are on or off
Action Alerts: Receive clear, easy-to-understand notifications when new spyware threats are detected
"Spy Sweeper remains a favorite for protection from spyware."
"This program's dominance is apparent as soon as you install it."
