Kama Sutra (computer worm): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Computer worm}}

The '''Kama Sutra''' [[InternetComputer worm|worm]], also known as Blackworm, Nyxem, and Blackmal, is a type of [[malware, or]] (malicious software) that infects PCs using the[[Microsoft Windows operating system]].

Discovered [[January 16]], 2006, Kama Sutra was designed to destroy common files such as [[Microsoft Word]], [[Microsoft Excel|Excel]], and [[Microsoft PowerPoint|PowerPoint]] documents when each computer's calendar hit [[February 3]] and on the 3rd of each following month.

The worm arrived via e-mail, enticing computer users with promises of sexy pictures. The subject lines included "School girl fantasies gone bad,", "Hot Movie,", "Crazy illegal Sex!" and "[[Kama Sutra]] pics.". But whenWhen users clicked on the attachment, theythe gotmachine anbecame infected. machine insteadOnce ofexecuted, pornography.the Evenworm ifcan thecorrupt e-mailand youoverwrite receivethe comesmost fromcommon theWindows addressfile oftypes, someone.doc, you.pdf, know.zip, don'tand open.xls, itamong becauseothers; his/herthe mightdata beare infectedchanged and become unrecoverable. The worm also tries to disable [[antivirus software]].

==See also==

It is recommended to scan your PC immediately before its too late.

* [[InternetComputer worm]]

==References==

In the United States, the FBI weighed in on the threat.

* {{cite news | url=http://articles.cnn.com/2006-01-31/tech/kamasutraworm_1_new-worm-lurhq-destructive-payload?_s=PM:TECH | title=New worm relies on old trick | date=February 2, 2006 | author=Marsha Walton | journal=CNN Tech | accessdate=2011-02-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005085908/http://articles.cnn.com/2006-01-31/tech/kamasutraworm_1_new-worm-lurhq-destructive-payload?_s=PM:TECH | archive-date=October 5, 2012 | url-status=dead }}

==External links==

Immediately upon learning of this latest worm, the FBI acted swiftly and jointly with our partners in law enforcement and the anti-virus companies to investigate its origin and author(s). The investigation remains ongoing," a statement said.

* [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/internet/02/03/wormstrike/index.html CNN:Kama Sutra worm hits home]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052404/http://www.pcworld.com/article/127788/article.html Google Accidentally Sends Out Kama Sutra Worm]

* [https://archive.today/20130203110357/http://searchg.symantec.com/search?q=Kama+Sutra+worm&charset=utf-8&proxystylesheet=symc_en_US&client=symc_en_US&hitsceil=100&site=symc_en_US&output=xml_no_dtd&context=gbh&x=2&y=9 Symantec Security alert]

{{Hacking in the 2000s}}

The FBI directed computer users to additional computer safety tips on the Internet at the FBI Cyber Division's Internet Crime Complaint Center: [http://www.ic3.gov/media/2006/060202.htm].

[[Category:Computer worms]]

==How it works==

The worm spreads through e-mail attachments with enticing links such as "best video clip ever" and "Hot Movie." Clicking on one of these links activates the worm.

Once executed, it can corrupt and overwrite the most common Windows file types: .doc, .pdf, .zip, and .xls, among others. This means the data will be changed and will be unrecoverable.

The worm also tries to disable antivirus software.

==What to do==

• Question e-mail messages, even if they seem to be from people you know.

• Be aware of e-mail subject lines like "Hot Movie," "Kama Sutra pics," "FW: SeX.mpg," " the best video clip ever."

• Don't click on questionable attachments.

• Update your antivirus software, and scan your computer.

• Back up your most important data to CDs, DVDs, or zip drives.

• Remember that, unlike other malware, Kama Sutra has no cure-all "patch."

==See also==

* [[Internet worm]]

==External links==

* [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/internet/02/03/wormstrike/index.html CNN:Kama Sutra worm hits home]