A new e-mail worm that spreads by promising pornographic
content has become the top worldwide virus threat.
The worm, called W32/Nyxem-E by F-Secure, comes attached to an
e-mail message that uses a variety of subject lines, including
“Schoolgirl fantasies gone bad”.
The body text also varies, but can include references to the
Kama Sutra, the ancient Sanskrit book that has pictures and
explanations about different sexual positions.
Nyxem-E has been the most commonly blocked threat in the past 24
hours, said both F-Secure and fellow anti-virus company Trend
Micro.
When run by clicking an attachment, the work replicates itself
via an infected user’s e-mail address book.
The worm also attempts to disable anti-virus and firewall
software and delete certain files, including Microsoft Office
documents, on the third day of the month, reports anti-virus
software supplier F-Secure.
F-Secure has warned that 3 February will be the first time that
the worm tries to delete files on infected users’ machines.
“This worm feeds on people’s willingness to receive salacious
content on their desktop computers,” said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant at anti-virus software supplier Sophos.