Virus warning: Punk worm on the rampage

There was a time when a punk revival merely involved a new band of disenchanted youths sporting far-out haircuts - but now the jilted generation are turning to computer viruses to get their message of anarchy across to the masses.

Anti-virus vendor Sophos has received several reports of the new punk-themed Magold-D worm (W32/Magold-D), first seen on Monday 23rd June, which spreads via email, internet relay chat, shred networks and peer-to-peer services, such as KaZaA.

Users infected with the virus are presented with the message 'PUNK'S NOT DEAD' which flashes up on their screen before opening a web browser and directing it to the website of US punk rock band - a trait in common with the Avril Lavigne virus which directed users to the Canadian pop sensation's website.

In an attempt to encourage users to open the virus the attachment is billed in such a way to make users think they will be treated to an eyeful of a TV star taking a shower.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "The virus writer has opted for the age-old trick of promising female nudity."

"This tribute to The Offspring is a far cry from pinning posters to your bedroom wall or playing air guitar in front of your mirror," he added.