While Disabling Several Security Solutions
* Panda Software Recommends That All Users Eliminate This Worm at:
http://www.pandasoftware.com/download/utilities * Panda Software's TruPrevent(TM) Technologies Have Detected and Blocked Kama Sutra Without the Need for Prior Updates, So Computers With These Technologies
Installed Have Been Protected From the Outset
GLENDALE, Calif., Feb. 1 -PandaLabs warns users of the forthcoming activation of the Kama Sutra worm (also called Tearec.A, Nyxem or Blackmal) on February 3. This worm began to spread computers worldwide two weeks ago through e-mails alluding to erotic content, and is programmed to activate on the third of every month, from which it will delete files with certain extensions, and disable certain security solutions. To minimize the impact of the worm, Panda Software urges users without a security solution to download its free tools to eliminate this threat at: http://www.pandasoftware.com/download/utilities. TruPrevent(TM) Technologies detected and blocked Tearec.A without the need for prior updates, so computers with these technologies installed have always been protected.
"The main priority now is to minimize the effect of this worm," explains Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs. "Therefore, the usual recommendations apply: keep security solutions up-to-date and scan the entire system to ensure that it is free from threats. For those who don't have a security solution, or would like additional protection, we offer our free tool for eliminating this worm. The most important thing is to ensure that as many computers as possible are protected on the third of February."
Kama Sutra reaches computers in e-mails with subjects alluding to sexual content, promoting erotic videos or images. If a user runs one of the attachments, the worm begins to spread using its own SMTP engine, and starts deleting files related to security tools installed on the system, or on accessible remote systems if the computer is part of a network. In addition, on the third of every month it tries to disable files with certain extensions (.doc, .xls, .mdb, .ppt, .zip, .rar, .pdf, or .psd, among others), corresponding to some of the most widely used applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Acrobat Reader or Adobe Photoshop. Another notable characteristic is its use of a counter on a web page to register the number of infections.
"It is difficult to evaluate the impact of this worm because the counter in itself is not a good reference," explains Luis Corrons. "It seems that many registries in the counter have been from the same IP, so the total number of infections would be considerably less than indicated. Nevertheless, Kama Sutra is still a significant threat -- this is why we are on staying alert on the date of activation."
About PandaLabs
Since 1990, its mission has been to analyze new threats as rapidly as possible to keep our clients safe. Several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc), work 24/7 to provide global coverage. To achieve this, they also have the support of TruPrevent(TM) Technologies, which act as a global early-warning system made up of strategically distributed sensors to neutralize new threats and send them to PandaLabs for in-depth analysis. According to AV-Test.org, PandaLabs is currently the fastest laboratory in the industry in providing complete updates to users (more info at http://www.pandasoftware.com/pandalabs.asp).
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For more information:
Carolina Sanabria
Public Relations Manager
Panda Software, USA
Tel: 818-543-6909
pr@pandasecurity.com
