Beware the Blackworm
It is imperative that all PC computer users that connect to the Internet update their anti-virus program and run scans ASAP.
Why?
A particularly nasty worm has managed to install itself on hundreds of thousands of computers, and on February 3, 2006, it is set to destroy files on any infected computer. This worm is spread through email attachments, and even though users are repeatedly cautioned not to open unsolicited attachments, hundred of thousands or users already have. How is this known? Well, the worm phones home, and traffic to the server it reports to is being monitored.
At 5:00 p.m. on Jan 24, more than 700,000 computers had already been infected by the worm, according to a stats counter used by the worm author. Finnish anti-virus vendor F-Secure, said the worm accounts for more than 17 percent of all virus infections in the last 24 hours.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that anti-virus vendors are all using different names to identify the worm. In addition to Kama Sutra, the worm has been named Blackworm, Blackmal, MyWife and Nyxem.
Source: Urgent Alert Raised for ‘Blackworm’ D-Day By Ryan Naraine of eWeek.com
For more information: Internet Storm Center
January 30th, 2006 at 3:28 PM
I found another site with a lot more information on this threat, also known as the NYXEM E – Mass Mailing Worm. The article on the site is by the site owner, Marc Liron – Microsoft MVP (Digital Media). The article can be found at: http://www.updatexp.com/nyxem-e.html
He emphasizes the importance of running an anti-virus scan before February 3rd, with the latest definitions. We agree.