The Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) has identified
a widespread virus attack on state computers being distributed through
e-mail. The subject lines of these e-mails vary, but some examples
include “CNN Top Ten”, “Beijing Olympic Videos”, and other
subject lines referencing the Olympics. The e-mail prompts readers to
update their “flash player” or software that will allow the viewing
of videos. Please delete these e-mails immediately and refrain from
clicking on anything that asks you to update “flash player” or any
other software. These malicious attempts can result in the download of
what is referred to as malware, which can shut down the functioning of
your computer and result in MDIT having to rebuild your desktop
computer.

MDIT has shut down the influx of these emails and will continue to work
around the clock to resolve the problem, but you can play a vital role
by deleting these e-mails. It’s possible that future e-mails
disguised with other subject lines could penetrate your e-mail and
should be deleted. If you are currently experiencing computer related
problems or believe you may have been infected, please contact the MDIT
Client Service Center in the Lansing
area.

No government data or citizen information has been compromised from
this virus attack.