Computer Associates Warns Of Afeto Virus

Computer Associates has warned PC users to be on
the lookout for a new virus called Afeto.

Like many of the latest crop of viruses, WM97/Afeto spreads via
e-mail, changing its appearance to avoid detection. Once executed on
a host PC, the virus violates user's privacy by searching for JPEG
format files, and sending the first one found to other PCs.

The text of the Word document accompanying the image, CA said, reads
"Para voces com afeto," a Portuguese phrase meaning "For you, with
affection."

Unusual for an e-mail-borne virus, Afeto does not scan and load a
user's e-mail address book. Instead, it scans previously sent
e-mails, resending them with the new payload.

Ian Hamerof, CA's business manager, said that the Afeto virus is
anything but affectionate.

"This virus is disturbing in that it desecrates the privacy of all
computer users - an issue that strikes at the heart of consumer
confidence and e-business integrity," he said.

CA said that its threat response teams are currently analyzing Afeto,
and that it plans to release a new signature for the firm's
InoculateIT antivirus software as soon as possible.

CA's Web site is at http://www.cai.com.