Computer virus infections via USB spreading in Japan
Computer infections with viruses by way of USB flash memory drives are spreading in Japan, according to a Trend Micro Inc survey released Saturday. Based on the finding, the Tokyo-based virus-scanning software company called on PC users to take precautions when sharing data with others via USB memory sticks.
A USB flash memory drive is a portable data-storage device that has become popular as an alternative to a floppy disk. Equipped with an integrated interface, the device can store, rewrite and remove files. It is much smaller and weighs less than a floppy disk though its storage capacity is larger—up to 128 gigabytes. According to the company’s monthly survey, USB-mediated infections with Autorun, a typical computer virus, totaled 143 in August. The number rose to 347 in September and 471 in October.
Conventional viruses are programmed to attack a computer when a file attached to an e-mail message opens or on-line software is downloaded. But the September survey found that 53.7% of newly detected computer viruses are programmed to spread via USB devices.
