BubbleBoy will infect users running Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express. In Outlook, this worm requires that you open the e-mail message, and will not run if the message is viewed through the “Preview Pane.” In Outlook Express, the worm becomes activated even if the infected e-mail message is only viewed through the "Preview Pane." In all cases, if the security settings for the Internet Zone in IE5 are set to High, the worm will not be executed.

In addition to the possible threat this type of virus can pose, virus hoaxes can no longer be ignored. Historically, one could ignore all email virus hoaxes which would warn users not to open certain emails for fear of infection. Now that it is possible that an email can infect your system by simply being opened, such hoaxes will have to be investigated which could cause paranoia in the minds of most users.

What to Do

Bubble Boy relies on a security hole in IE 5. You can install a security patch provided by Microsoft by going to the Tools menu and  depressing the Windows Update choice.  It will take you to a Microsoft page that will install all the latest security patches.

The only advice that we can give at this time is that you ensure that all security patches for your computer system are always updated and you ensure that you are up to date on all the hoaxes and viruses that are circulating. You can also delete e-mails with attachments from unknown senders. Using a regularly updated antivirus package will also eliminate the most threats.