HUNDREDS of Saipan computers were hit by the mass-mailing Klez worm which is capable of disabling anti-virus software and processes.
Once launched, this worm attaches itself to all addresses in the Windows address book and disables any anti-virus software be installed in a system.
This computer worm, which takes advantage of unpatched Microsoft Explorer and Outlook Express software, propagates through e-mail and attempts to copy itself through files that can be shared through a network.
The Klez worm uses random subject lines, the text within a message and attachment file names to try to get users to launch it.
MegaByte co-owner Brian Clayton said the company repaired at least 25 computers affected by the worm.
About 10 percent of Verizon’s Internet clients had also been hit by the worm, according to Verizon Web and systems administrator Franco Mendoza.
“While most Internet users have anti-virus software, they don’t regularly update it. The number of infected computers has started to subside though,” said Mendoza.
Saipan Computer Service said 20 computers from government and private offices had been affected by the virus.
Carlo Malasarte of ComputerWorld Technology said they repaired at least 30 computers hit by the worm.
Internet surfers are urged to regularly update anti-virus software, and to consult with computer experts if they suspect that a computer virus or worm has infected their computers.
