Security news27 February 2004
Janet Jackson's Superbowl wardrobe malfunction inspires new virus, Sophos comments
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| Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, in happier pre-'wardrobe malfunction' times |
Anti-virus researchers at Sophos have discovered a new worm, Synpapse (W32/Synpapse-A), which masquerades as seedy snaps and movies of female celebrities. The worm uses a number of filenames, including 'Janet Jackson Superbowl XXX', in order to dupe computer users into opening the malicious code. The worm spreads via instant messaging and by popular file sharing platforms such as KaZaA.
"I'm afraid that computer users clicking on this file are much more likely to see a computer, rather than wardrobe, malfunction," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant, Sophos. "One of the cyber-underground's favourite tricks is to disguise their viruses as tantalising photos of celebs in the news - Janet Jackson is the latest star to join this dubious hall of fame, which already boasts the likes of Britney, Kylie and J-Lo."
Other celebrity names used by the worm include Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Pamela Anderson
At time of writing, Sophos has seen no reports of this worm spreading in the wild, but nevertheless reminds users to stay vigilant against virus attack.
See also:
- Sign up now for free notification of new viruses found in the wild
- Say no to naked J-Lo, Sophos warns of worm
- Shakira worms her way back for an encore
- Email virus lures with adult "Sex and the City" outtakes
- Kylie? Halle? Celine? Lorraine? Mapson worm creates confusion
- Add live virus information to your website or intranet
