Virus Warning: Love hurts networks worldwide

A new virus called VBS/loveletter.worm is spreading across networks worldwide faster than last year's Melissa outbreak.

The virus spreads via the Visual Basic programming language, which is standard on all Microsoft-based computing systems. Like Melissa, it spreads by replicating itself via email address books but is not activated unless the email is opened. The virus is contained in an attachment called "...A Love Letter For You", the email is headed "I LOVE YOU".

Alex Shipp, virus technologist at virus watchdog MessageLabs, said: "It's going to be far bigger problem than Melissa," and added that the company had received around 700 reports of the problem within the first working hour of Thursday.

Jack Clark, European product manager at Network Associates (NAI), added: "No UK corporate sector has been left untouched." He also confirmed that technical support lines are receiving more calls about the virus than any other outbreak.

Clark said NAI has been crippled with calls for support, but added that the company has drafted in emergency support staff.

Clark told silicon.com that initial research on the virus suggested it was spawned in Manila by a well-known virus writer called Barock.

A number of companies in the media and financial sectors, as well as many government departments have confirmed to silicon.com that they have been hit by the virus.

** If you have experienced, or are experiencing, the effects of the virus, let our editorial department know on 0207 761 8200, or (if you still can) send an email to editorial@silicon.com.

More to follow...