http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/01/27/mydoom_virus040127'
"Worm spreading rapidly across internet
Last Updated Tue, 27 Jan 2004 11:02:34
TORONTO - A new computer worm is spreading rapidly across the internet, threatening to clog e-mail systems and open a back door for hackers to get into personal computers.
The MyDoom worm, also known as Novarg, comes as an e-mail attachment. Since late Monday, it has been spreading at a rate that rivals last year's Sobig worm.
Some companies have reported getting bombarded with hundreds of e-mails a minute.
Once a computer is infected, the worm copies itself and sends out hundreds of e-mails. It also opens a back door into the host system that could allow a hacker to access or even take control of the computer.
The worm tries to put files into the folder used by the Kazaa file-sharing program, if it exists on the infected computer.
Anti-virus software maker Symantec says the worm also appears ready to launch a denial of service attack from Feb. 1 to Feb. 12.
The worm affects computers running Microsoft Windows versions 95 to XP.
Infected e-mails come with a random subject line, often including phrases such as "Test," "Mail Delivery System'' or "Mail Transaction Failed.'' The attachment could have any of the following file extensions: .bat, .cmd, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .zip.
Clicking on the attachment launches the malicious program.
Computer users are advised to delete the attachment without opening it, and to update their anti-virus software in case they accidentally open an infected attachment.
In August, the Sobig worm cost companies millions of dollars as they struggled to fight it off. "
Written by CBC News Online staff
