It has emerged that the SirCam virus, popularly know as the "worm", has a clever twist that enables it to travel discreetly to mailboxes. Unlike LoveBug which hosted the subject line "I love you", SirCam cleverly changes the subject line each time it travels to a mailbox. The virus attaches itself to randomly selected files on the hard drive and changes its name to the infected file. However, the virus falters as it always begins with "Hi how are you" and ends "See you later. Thanks". Users can also spot the infectious email because it features a double extension, such as .doc.pif.
Hotmail, the worlds largest provider of free web-based e-mail, has failed to block the SirCam virus. The reason being the anti-virus scanner, McAfee, has not been updated to provide protection. It is reported this is due to be updated by Friday. However it must be said that Hotmail is one of the few free email services that even provides anti-virus protection for its users.
A spokesperson for MessageLabs reports "Although we have seen significant numbers of this virus in the U.S., we believe that Europe is still waiting to feel the brunt of the SirCam virus". Sircam may not be as virulent as LoveBug, however it is gaining momentum due to the ease of which it travels.
Possible SirCam Texts:
"Hi How are you"
"I hope you can help with this file that I sent"
"I send you this file in order to have you advice"
"I hope you like the file that I have sent you"
"This is the file with the information you ask for"
"See you later. Thanks"
Users are reminded to update anti virus protection and delete all suspicious looking email before opening it .
