Symantec discovers new computer worm infecting thousands

Corporations worldwide infected by virus W32. SirCom.Worm@mm

MUMBAI -- July 18, 2001

WHAT:	Researchers at the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC) are issuing a warning about a new worm: W32. SirCom.Worm@mm. At this stage it has had a small local impact and Symantec is rating it a Level 3 threat which means it has a medium rating. Definitions: Are available from 6pm tonight.
CHARACTERISTICS	This mass-mailing virus attempts to send itself and a random document to all users found in various email address books including Outlook. When run, it searches for Microsoft office documents in the Personal/ Desktop directories and attaches itself to one at random. It then mails itself and the file as one attachment to everyone in the address book. The subject line of the email is the name of the file that the worm attached itself to and distributed.
RECOMMENDATIONS /PROTECTION:	Symantec customers can repair damage caused through the detection function within Norton AntiVirus. For further information please visit the SARC website:http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/
ABOUT SYMANTEC ANTIVIRUS RESEARCH CENTRE (SARC):	SARC is one of the industry's largest dedicated teams of virus experts. With offices located in the United States, Japan, Australia and the Netherlands, the sun never sets on SARC. The centre's mission is to provide swift, global responses to computer virus threats, proactively research and develop technologies that eliminate such threats and educate the public on safe computing practices. As new computer viruses appear, SARC develops identification and detection for these viruses and provides either a repair or delete operation, thus keeping users protected against the latest virus threats.
ABOUT SYMANTEC:	Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and companies. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, risk management, Internet content and email filtering, and mobile code detection technologies to enterprise customers. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in more than 24 countries. NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Centre. Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.