Verisign is warning of a new e-mail worm arriving in inboxes with the subject "Happy New Year!"
The message, currently being spread from 160 e-mail domains, requires users to click on the attached "postcard.exe" file in order to cause damage. The file will install several different malicious code variants including Tibs, Nwar, Banwarum and Glowa on the computer. It then executes mass mailings from the infected computer.
The worm is already being heavily spammed, Verisign said. The security company has found one network that is sending out five e-mails per second with the worm.
While the worm requires user interaction to do harm, Verisign believes that it has potential to do damage because of the "Happy New Year!" subject line. The company is warning e-mail users to be wary before clicking on messages that they think may be legitimate happy new year messages from friends.
As of Thursday, multiple large networks have reported interceptions of the e-mail, Verisign said. While the "postcard.exe" attachment has the same name as an attack spread earlier this month, this is a new and largely undetected threat, Verisign said.
Read up on the latest ideas and technologies from companies that sell hardware, software and services. Keeping your SQL Server Going 24x7
Data Centre Assessments: The First Step to Optimisation
5 steps to getting started with data loss prevention
Understanding Email Marketing: A Guide for SMBs
Providing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for Microsoft Cluster Server and Windows Server 08 Failover Clustering Apps
The business justification for data security
Look before you leap | Key considerations for moving to 802.11n
Secure Remote Access
Zones provide focussed content from Computerworld and leading technology partners.

















Comments
Post new comment