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 world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. The company is an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection since 2001. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, Bitdefender won a series of important awards and accolades in the global security industry, including "Product of the Year" by AV-Comparatives, "Best Repair 2012" by AV-Test, "Editor's Choice" and "The Best Antivirus for 2013" by PC Mag, that confirmed the antivirus software’s leadership status among security products.
More information about Bitdefender's products is available from the company's security press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes the HOTforSecurity blog, where readers can find stories from the underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software - and gossip.