CA warns of variant R of `ILOVEYOU` Worm

Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) has warned eBusinesses and computer users worldwide of yet another new variant of the "ILOVEYOU" Worm.

Variant R can spread as fast as other recently discovered variants, but this time masquerades in Portuguese as a gift to the receiver. The variant has been reported "in the wild" and is designated as dangerous. If executed, it has the potential to overwrite data and program files, possibly rendering applications unusable.

Variant R contains the subject PresenteUO, Portuguese for present (as in gift) UOL. The body of the email contains the message, UOL tem um grande presente para voce, e eh exclusivo. Veja o arquivo em anexo. http://www.uol.com.br

This translates to "UOL has a big present for you and it`s exclusive. Look at the file in the attachment."

There is an attached file named UOL.TXT.vbs which, when run, infects a PC and sends itself to every entry in an address book. Users can get the latest information on this Worm and protect their computers immediately by downloading the latest signature file of CA`s leading antivirus solution, InoculateIT, at http://www.ca.com/virusinfo/. CA is offering free downloads of antivirus software for personal use at http://antivirus.ca.com/ and encourages computer users to take advantage of this offering.

"This Worm is still a threat to eBusinesses and home user`s email systems because it uses so many tricks to make the unsuspecting user click on the corrupt attachment," says Simon Perry, CA, vice president, security solutions.

"We are advising our clients to remain vigilant in the fight against cyber terrorism by always updating their latest antivirus software, not opening attachments that seem suspicious or are from an unfamiliar origin and to be aware of new variants as they appear."

CA`s InoculateIT is the premier antivirus solution for networked environments offering unmatched management and virus protection.

InoculateIT is certified by the International Computer Security Association (ICSA) to detect 100% of viruses "in the wild" and ensures a network is protected against potentially damaging and costly virus incidents. InoculateIT is part of CA`s eTrust solutions, which are built on CA`s Unicenter TNG Framework, providing a powerful, comprehensive, and integrated solution for building, deploying and securing eBusiness. eTrust enables eBusiness by safeguarding all mission-critical resources, from the browser to the mainframe.