UK managed internet and e-mail security specialist,
intY, reported the first instances of the Zaffi D worm within hours
of other anti-virus companies warning of the worm affecting
internet users outside of the UK.
Over 20,000 attacks were blocked by intY's MailDefender service
from noon on 14 December 2004. The worm appears to be a Christmas
e-mail from a customer or supplier; but it is in fact a piece of
software which loads itself onto the recipient's system and could
be activated at a latter date to cause disruption or other forms of
damage.
Mark Herbert, chief executive of intY, said, "It is sad that
virus writers are exploiting the festive season in this way. Even
if Zaffi is mischievous rather than malign, this kind of attack
wastes the precious time of IT managers so it pays to not drop your
guard.
"A combination of educating users to be wary and accurate
anti-virus scanning services will mean a festive season without
headaches - or at least those caused by viruses and spam."
All internet users need to look out for messages with the title
"Happy Hollydays" and the "Merry Christmas" subject line.
For further information about Zaffi D visit
www.intY.com/news/zafi-d.html
For more on managed applications
click here