Sophos responds to parasitic virus comeback with new
emergency identity service.
Parasitic viruses are making a comeback having declined in
popularity over the last twelve months. The most recent viruses to
strike, CIH and Marburg, mark the re-emergence of parasitic types
after they had virtually disappeared from Sophos's virus reports.
In order to minimise the threat to users, Sophos has set up an
emergency response service to provide early notification.
The recent CIH virus, which paralyses the start-up mechanism of
PCs, is ranked the fifth most common virus in Sophos's July league table. The Marburg
virus, which struck in June, was the first widespread parasitic
virus to be seen in several years. By attaching themselves to .EXE
files, such viruses are quickly and easily spread.
"Users shouldn't panic unnecessarily about this summer's
outbreak of parasitic viruses," said Paul Ducklin, Head of Research
at Sophos. "Our new emergency response service will ensure we
minimise the impact of this new trend by making virus information
as accessible as possible. The parasitic comeback does, however,
suggest that virus writers are finding it easier to create new
problems with old viruses."
Anyone wishing to be notified of updates from Sophos Anti-Virus
to combat the latest "In the Wild" viruses should email admin@sophos.com with their name,
company and email address.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.