Microsoft Access Breeds Macro Virus

But no evidence virus has spread beyond virus-testing companies.

A virus writer has discovered a way to infect Microsoft Access databases with a macro virus.

On March 8, someone identified as %dquotJerk1N%dquot posted a notice on a virus newsgroup that he or she had invented such a virus, and invited people to send e-mail to get a copy.

On Friday, antivirus software maker Trend Micro said it has studied the virus and found that it is designed to corrupt information in Access 97 databases, but it may also affect Access 95. There have been no reports of the virus outside the newsgroup posting, according to Trend. But the company has updated HouseCall, its Web-based virus-scanning service, to detect the Access virus. Updates to its PC-cillin product will be available next week.

Friday%squots report sent researchers at other antivirus software companies scrambling. Jimmy Kuo, director of virus research for Network Associates, says that Access macro viruses are still academic and are not likely to become a big problem.

Kuo said Word and Excel macro viruses will continue to be the biggest threat, since those applications are more popular and their files are more widely circulated. Nonetheless, look for McAfee and other antivirus software makers to add Access virus detection in the near future.

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