Virus writers tweaking Mytob to create a super worm
As virus writers release multiple variants of Mytob in a bid to create a super worm, experts say vigilant security measures should block any master menace.
The creators of Mytob tweak the code within the worm in a similar way to developers trying to perfect new software, and have released hundreds of variants of the mass-mailing worm.
"We have not seen this before. Virus writers are hammering out variants every day, testing the virus, tweaking it and seeing how many people are hit and which elements of the malicious code are the most successful," said Carole Theriault, security consultant for anti-virus firm Sophos.
She said they may be searching for the key to creating a super worm and revealed the Mytob family is accounting for 50 per cent of all virus reports to Sophos over recent weeks. Through continuous modification the virus also hopes to evade detection by security companies email scanners.
