Sick virus writers exploit London bombs

by CLAIRE BATES, Mail online

Last updated at 15:12 11 July 2005


Callous virus writers are using the London bomb attacks to spread a malicious program on computers across the country.

The virus, which is in an email that claims to have amateur footage of one of the London Underground bombings, appeared only a day after the attacks in London that left at least 52 dead.

However, anyone clicking on the link to the footage will have their computer infected and linked to a junk email-sending network.

The Windows virus poses as a legitimate CNN newsletter and uses the spoof email address of "breakingnews@cnnonline.com". It attempts to make it look harmless by naming it: "Checked by Norton Antivirus.exe."

The email, titled "TERROR HITS LONDON" relies on people clicking on the attachment, and affects Windows software from 95 onwards to XP.

The virus obtains a list of servers that the machine uses and then sends out large amounts of unsolicited mail when it is next switched on.

Security companies have asked people to be vigilant and update their anti-virus software regularly.

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