Viruses Now Attack Cartographic Programs

Kaspersky Labs, a leading information security expert, reports the detection of the very first virus to infect MapInfo (one of the most popular programs for cartographic and geographic analysis) tables.

The MBA.First virus is activated when infected MapInfo tables are opened. Once launched, the virus spreads to all other detected MapInfo tables. Depending on an infected computer’s system date the virus poses a threat of varying probabilities to delete MapInfo table files.

The MapInfo program, developed by the MapInfo Corporation enjoys worldwide popularity. One of the most unique aspects of the program is the use of its own programming language called MapBasic, which makes it possible to create user applications.

The MBA.First virus, the first known virus targeting MapInfo cartographic programs, is a binary file written in the MapBasic language.