Sober up!
Fast-spreading Sober.i virus spotted
BitDefender Labs have detected a new viral threat, in the shape of a mass mailer called Sober.I (a.k.a W32 / Clonz.a). The virus spreads via e-mail, using spoofed addresses and a variety of social engineering tricks. Chief among these is the fact that it can create e-mails in either English or German, as did the previous version of this piece of malware.
Another trick used is to add a string claiming that the e-mail has been scanned for viruses and found clean. The virus is spreading so fast that analysts warn it may actually crash some mail servers.
“The remarkable thing about this new virus is the amazing speed at which it is spreading. This may prove, once more, that computer users have not learned anything, or too little from past virus outbreak experiences. It’s a highly unfortunate situation, as everyone should become more educated in this regard and understand the importance and advantages of using a proficient antivirus software” stated Bogdan Dumitru, BitDefender Chief Technical Officer.
A full technical description of the virus can be found here.
A free removal tool for this virus can be found here.
About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe - giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company’s security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender’s www.malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.