February 16, 2003, 5.02pm • No comments (be first!) » • 1,046 Views

Catherine worm says Hello!

A new virus tempts computer users with steamy pictures of Catherine Zeta Jones - but instead hijacks their machines across the internet.

The Igloo internet worm is spreading in the KaZaA file-sharing network and IRC chat rooms, UK anti-virus software firm Sophos warned.

It cashes in on the intense publicity surrounding the Hollywood actress who, with husband Michael Douglas, is embroiled in a high-profile High Court lawsuit with Hello! magazine over unauthorised photos taken at their wedding.

But, despite the promise of nude snaps of the Welsh star of Chicago, the virus has caused no reported infections - just concern.

Users are duped into opening a file purporting to contain compromising pictures of Ms Jones, Britney Spears, Shakira and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

In fact, they are starting the W32/Igloo-15 worm, a basic backdoor “Trojan horse” which allows another computer user to secretly gain control of their PC across the internet.

Versions of the virus have been in circulation for some time, but it is thought this is the first time Zeta Jones has been the target.

A similar tactic was used to promise nude pictures of singer Jennifer Lopez and Russian tennis pin-up Anna Kournikova.

The latter virus spread to millions of machines worldwide, causing damage estimated at US$1bn.

Networks were also bracing themselves on Friday for a glut of viruses disguised as Valentine messages.

“It is ironic that [the] supposed photos are being used to try to spread a virus at the same time that she’s in the courts fighting Hello! magazine over … unauthorised snaps,” said Sophos senior technology consultant Graham Cluley.

“We all know the saying that curiosity killed the cat. In this case, the curious user looking for dirty pictures of celebs is likely to be one who is compromised.”

Sophos, which helped secure the prosecution of Welsh virus writer Simon Vallor in January, advised computer users to be alert.

Mr Cluely recommended office bosses limit use of use of file-sharing and chat networks in the workplace