New Version of MyDoom Targets Microsoft

The MyDoom virus has unleashed a new threat with the second version of MyDoom (aka. Novarg) called MyDoom.B. According to numerous security companies the new version of MyDoom launches DoS (deny of service) attacks on both the SCO and Microsoft websites on top of clogging up the emails of millions.

Since first appearing on Monday, the MyDoom virus or worm, also dubbed Novarg or Shimgapi, has infected computers across the globe by enticing users to open a normal file attachment that releases the MyDoom program.

Security firm BitDefender’s antivirus experts detected a new version of MyDoom today. According to BitDefender MyDoom.B is slightly different from the first virus variant, with only a few technical variations.

“Still, we can expect a new wave of infections, as the author already has a base-target”, says Mihai Neagu, Virus Researcher at BitDefender. “It seems, by the sheer amount of the first version that got sent through the networks at this point, that many users will inadvertently cause a new major outbreak”, Mihai concluded.

Mydoom, the Internet’s fastest spreading e-mail virus/worm to date, leaves behind damaging backdoors on infected systems that are not detected and cleansed by antivirus scanners. Mydoom installs a program that allows the computer to be controlled remotely and can be used to relay spam e-mail messages to unwilling recipients, or gain access to users’ passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.

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