Computer Worm Set to Attack Tomorrow - An ACCESS Fraud Alert

February 2, 2006 – A computer worm that is believed to have infected about 300,000 computers is set to attack tomorrow. The worm will begin destroying a variety of files on the computers that it resides on, including Adobe PDF files, Microsoft Word documents, and other files created in Microsoft Office.

This worm is not new. It was originally release in 2004 using the name Nyxem.D and was designed to attack computers associated with the New York Mercantile Exchange. The current version is known by a variety of names, including Blackmal.E, MyWife.E, KamaSutra, Nyxem.D and Blackworm.

Computers are infected by the worm when it arrives as an e-mail attachment. Recipients are told that if they want to look at sexually oriented photos, to click on the attachment. Those that fall for the ploy will find that their computers are infected.

From that point on, unless a computer is cleaned using antivirus software, the worm will start operating on the third day of each new month.

The way that this worm operates is unlike most known internet threats. The vast majority of Trojans and worms are designed to allow a hacker to gain access to the computers that host them. This capability is then used either to steal information that resides on the computer or engage in some form of illegal activity such as spamming the internet.

The sole purpose of Nyxem.D is to destroy data residing on the computer’s hard drive. Anyone without backup copies of their data could find themselves and their businesses severely crippled.

Because most corporations use antivirus software that is regularly updated, it is expected that the infection will have the greatest impact on home users. Microsoft is advising consumers to update their virus definitions and to run a virus scan on their systems today. Anyone without their own software can use Microsoft’s Safety Center to scan their systems for free over the internet.

Consumers may also want to consider downloading and installing the following programs. These are either free to use, or offer free trials:

Avast Antivirus: A free antivirus program for home users only. The company also offers a paid service for commercial use.

AVG: Also a free antivirus software package.

Neither one of these should be confused with the many paid antivirus software packages like those offered by Norton or MacAfee. The free programs have some significant shortcomings. These may include virus definitions may not be updated as often as with other services and, as in the case of AVG, they may not offer standard features such as "help". Even so, they provide a good alternative for consumers who can’t run out and purchase a paid service today.

Another program to consider is Online Armor by Global Fraud Solutions. This program scans incoming e-mail messages, and websites you visit to make sure that you don’t pick up malicious Trojans and worms in the first place. The program costs $39.95 but they also offer a 30 day free trial.

ACCESS highly recommends that consumers back up their data today and then run a virus scan of their systems. Parents who have children using the internet should not think that simply because they have not attempted to open the e-mail attachment described here themselves that their systems are clean. If you have children with e-mail access, we are advising that you scan your system as a precautionary measure.

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