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Beware `sober worm'

HOUSTON: Computer experts are warning users to beware of a dangerous virus capable of disrupting Internet traffic, which is set to worm its way to their systems early in the New Year disguised as e-mails containing Nazi propaganda.

The virus "sober worm" has been around for seven years now. But a new variety is set to hit terminals on January 5, prompting a flood of warnings. This version is especially hazardous and has enough power to disrupt Internet traffic, reports say.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has already warned of threats that the virus will be released again on January 5, 2006.

Technology experts say the bug is already in thousands of machines. It is scheduled to activate on January 5, which coincides with the 87th anniversary of the Nazi party foundation. The worm is expected to flood email inboxes with pro-Nazi propaganda in English and German.

According to recent reports, all major anti-virus programmes can protect computers against the worm, but because so many people fail to keep their computers inoculated, Internet security firms are bracing for what could be a serious online problem. Experts warn computer users to ensure they have anti-virus software installed and updated regularly. — PTI

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