Authorities are alerting Internet users to the computer viruses
known as "Kompu" and "Happytime," but have assured that damage will
be limited, the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center
said yesterday.
The center -- the only anti-virus products testing and
certification center authorized by the Ministry of Public Security
-- raised the alert about the two viruses, which could start
wreaking havoc on computer systems from today.?
The experts explained that the Wm_Kumpu virus originated in
Estonia and generates messages on computer screens that read, "Mul
on paha tuju!" and "Tahan kommi," which mean, "I am in bad mood"
and "Give me some candy."
Vbs_Happytime, a virus that hides in e-mail attachments, can
eliminate .exe and .dll files in hard drives.
Experts urge Internet users checking email or visiting chat
rooms to be on the alert.
The center has advised computer system maintenance technicians
to scrutinize their systems and upgrade anti-virus software.
The center has also assured users that the viruses would not
damage entire hard drives in a short space of time. Any data lost
should be recoverable with the use of the right software and
tools.
(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2006)