Central Command: Top 12 Viruses For September 2003
Fake Microsoft security patch fools unknowing users; Worm/Sobig.F crushes email systems
MEDINA, Ohio October 1, 2003 – Central Command, a leading provider of PC anti-virus software and computer security services today released its monthly listing of the top twelve viruses reported for September, 2003. The report, coined the “Dirty Dozen”, is based on the number of virus occurrences confirmed through Central Command’s Emergency Virus Response Team® (EVRT®).
The table below represents the most prevalent viruses for September 2003, number one being the most frequent.
Ranking Virus Name Percentage
1. Worm/Sobig.F 67.5%
2. Worm/Gibe.C 8.6%
3. Worm/Nachi.A 3.9%
4. Worm/Dumaru.A 3.7%
5. Worm/Klez.E (including G) 3.0%
6. Worm/MiMail.A 2.9%
7. Worm/Lovsan.A 1.8%
8. Worm/BugBear.B 1.7%
9. Worm/Sobig.A 1.0%
10. Worm/Sircam.A 0.5%
11. W32/Funlove 0.5%
12. W32/Yaha.E 0.3%
Others 4.6%
“Despite having a self-termination date of September 10th, 2003 that crippled its aggressive emailing spreading routine, the massive volume of infection reports prior to the de-activation date easily secured Worm/Sobig.F as the top spot,” said Steven Sundermeier, Vice President of Products and Services at Central Command, Inc.
According to Central Command’s EVRT, the top new nuisance was Worm/Gibe.C. “Worm/Gibe.C was crafted to disguise itself as a cumulative security patch from Microsoft. The closely mirrored emails combined with the hot topic of patching vulnerable systems mislead users down the path of virus infection.”
Vexira Antivirus has been updated for 632 different viruses, worms and other malicious applications during the month of September 2003.
Vexira Antivirus starts at $34.95, and a free 30-day trial version may be downloaded from (www.centralcommand.com) or obtained by contacting Central Command at +1-330 723-2062.
About Central Command: A leader in the anti-virus industry, Central Command, Inc., a privately held company, serves home PC users and industrial, financial, government, education, healthcare and service firms with virus protection software, services, and information. The company services customers in over 98 countries and is headquartered in Medina, Ohio. Visit Central Command online at (www.centralcommand.com) or call 1-330-723-2062 for more information.
Central Command, EVRT, Vexira, and Emergency Virus Response Team are trademarks of Central Command, Inc. All other trademarks, trade names, and products referenced herein are property of their respective owners.