* subscribe at http://techPolice.com Tricky new virus spreads quickly Sircam arrives in unpredictable ways, can expose private info By Bob Sullivan MSNBC July 19 � Anti-virus companies have raised their risk rating on a new computer virus making the rounds called �Sircam.� The virus is particularly troublesome because it arrives with random subject lines and attachment names, meaning there�s no easy way to warn computer users. The bug also has a nasty payload � it can expose private corporate information. The number of infections around the world has risen sharply during the day Thursday, leading anti-virus firms to raise the warning flag. AMONG THE ENTICING subject lines �Sircam� arrives with are: �Partnership Agreement,� �Home Depot Requisition Letter,� �MAC Umbrella,� �tips,� and �Family Treatment.� �The virus comes in different flavors,� said Vincent Gullatto, spokesperson for Network Solutions Inc. �That�s possibly why people are getting infected. It�s difficult for them to understand what�s a good message and what�s not. In this case, the only way to be protected is by updating their anti-virus software.� Most companies had given Sircam a medium risk rating Wednesday, as it did not initially appear to be spreading quickly. But officials at Network Associates and Symantec Corp. both say instances of infection �continue to increase significantly.� Gullatto said his firm is still undecided about raising the risk rating but figures Sircam might earn its highest warning level by the end of the day. Symantec has already raised the bug from a 3 to a 4 on a scale of 1 to 5. Gullatto compared the virus� infection rate to bugs like Hybris and Magistr, which have shown a slow but steady infection rate over a number of weeks. That contrasts with big-name bug outbreaks like Melissa or the Kournikova virus, which spread worldwide very quickly, but then saw infection rates drop off dramatically after the first 24 hours Upon infection, Sircam creates a list of files with extensions such as .DOC, .ZIP and .JPG that are located in the victim�s �My Documents� folder. The virus then sends copies of itself to users in the victim�s address book, including one of those files chosen at random. �It means that the worm can send out confidential information,� according to a statement on F-Secure Corp.�s Web site. The body of the message can also differ � but a typical Sircam-infected message says something similar to: �Hi! How are you? I send you this file in order to have your advice See you later! Thanks.� ============================================================ Half.com is the Smartest Place to Buy & Sell your CDs, DVDs Books, & Games! Get killer deals on over 10 million items priced up to 50-90% off. Plus get $5 off your 1st purchase. http://click.topica.com/caaacuMb1dhr0b2EDp2f/half ============================================================ --via http://techPolice.com archive: http://theMezz.com/cybercrime/archive subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --via http://theMezz.com ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?b1dhr0.b2EDp2 Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
