New bug hits 20,000 emails each day

12 April 2012

E-mail users are being hit by the biggest computer virus of all time. A mass-mailing worm called Klez.h is infecting one in every 300 e-mails sent - 20,000 copies every day - making it more destructive than last summer's SirCam virus.

First detected in April, Klez.h comes as an attachment with variations of one of 18 basic subject headings, including 'let's be friends' and 'meeting notice'. The worm sends itself to every address on an infected machine and deactivates anti-virus software.

It spreads by exploiting a loophole in Microsoft Outlook.

Anti-virus specialist Alex Shipp said it signalled a new trend in virus writing. He added: 'Klez.h has shown us that highly sustainable viruses will continue to appear.'

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