Security news
Security news3 February 2005
Bropia-D instant messaging worm offers poultry reward, Sophos reports
Anti-virus experts at Sophos have warned computer users about a new version of the Bropia worm which spreads via the MSN Messenger online chat system.
The W32/Bropia-D worm sends itself to all contacts in an infected user's MSN Messenger buddy list, using a variety of filenames, in an attempt to drop a copy of another worm - the W32/Rbot-VH network worm and backdoor Trojan horse. This malicious worm allows hackers to take remote control of infected computers, allowing them to capture keystrokes and grab screenshots (allowing opportunities for identity fraud), and even capture webcam footage of the unsuspecting user.
Bizarrely, the Bropia-D worm plants a comical image of a sunburnt chicken onto infected users' computers:
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| The image used by the Bropia-D worm. |
"Some may be amused by pictures of a chicken that's been basking in the oven for too long, but it's no joke receiving a battery of Bropia-D," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "System administrators should encourage staff to take security seriously, and be wary of opening unsolicited attachments - even if they come in via instant messaging systems rather than regular email. If you don't secure your computers you could end up with egg on your face."
Sophos continues to recommend that businesses ensure their computers are kept automatically up-to-date with the very latest anti-virus software.
