NetXactics, local Sophos distribution partner, is warning users about a new Internet worm which is capable of turning infected computers into spam factories and launch pads for denial-of-service attacks against Web sites.
The W32/Bobax-A http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/analyses/w32bobaxa.html worm uses the same Microsoft security vulnerability as the Sasser worm http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/articles/sasser.html to break into computers, enabling attacks to gain full control of the infected PC.
"Worms like Bobax are gold dust to the spam gangs - as it gives them an easy way to build up a network of innocent computers to send their spam from," said Brett Myroff, CEO of NetXactics. "Computers which are not properly protected with anti-virus updates, firewalls and Microsoft`s security patch are asking for trouble."
Because the Bobax worm does not travel via e-mail (instead it exploits a vulnerability described in Microsoft http://www.sophos.com/support/knowledgebase/article/1146.html Security Bulletin MS04-011) users do not have to launch an e-mail attachment to be infected.
"Computer users must put protection in place now against this kind of Internet assault. If you leave it to chance you shouldn`t be surprised if your computer is turned into a 'zombie`, launching thousands of spam messages at other Internet users," continued Myroff.
Sophos anticipates that the impact of the Bobax worm will be limited because of the large number of people who have already installed the Microsoft patch and reconsidered their firewall protection since the Sasser outbreak, but urges users not to be complacent.
Share
NetXactics is a South African-based company, focused on the provision of security solutions. It is the sole distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa for UK-based Sophos Plc, one of the leaders in the provision of anti-virus and anti-spam software for the corporate environment. For more information, visit NetXactics at www.netxactics.co.za.
Sophos
Sophos is one of the world`s largest specialist developers of anti-virus and anti-spam software. Headquartered in the UK, the company designs solutions specifically to protect businesses and organisations, including large corporations, banks and governments, from viruses and spam.
Editorial contacts