"virus" going around

[<maxid@domain.elided>]

If you receive an email from a well-known digester (no need to name names) with an attachment named something like napster.MP3.pif, do not open the attachment. The key is the extension (pif) which associates with an executable file, most likely containing malicious code. Unfortunately, the extension pif does not show up on all computers because it is one of those extensions that at least some versions of Windows hides in its default setup. However, the file's icon may come out as something like "shortcut to MSDOS". 

I received this file in an email where the subject was something the digester and I had discussed months ago.

I would recommend that you delete the message without opening the attachment. 

It has been a while since I read up on trojans with hidden file extensions. Those interested can find information at symantec.com and elsewhere.

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