This DOS-based virus was found in the wild in September 1996.
The virus infects only DOS executables (MZ). The virus adds a new segment to the executable and modifies the structure of the file.
Tentacle causes no obvious symptoms, except slowing the PC down (the infection process is slow). It does interfere with handling of GIF files.
Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.
A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:
Check for the latest database updates
First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.
Submit a sample
After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.
Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.
Exclude a file from further scanning
If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.
Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.
Tentatrickle contains these texts:
Your system is contamined with the Tentacle Virus. IMPORTANT: Don't open any GIF file!
The author of this virus also wrote the Tentacle and Shell viruses.