Ananova :

Web security experts have detected a new incarnation of the 'Magistr' computer virus.

Moscow-based antivirus specialists Kaspersky Labs say a new version of the email borne virus will confound existing scanners.

The company is sufficiently worried to warn that new threat could lead to another global epidemic.

"Don't be in doubt that the latest modification has the potential to be as widespread as the original," says head of corporate communications Denis Zenkin.

The original, first detected in March, used a number of tricks to replicate itself by duping recipients into opening its attachment.

These included a facility to reproduce itself endlessly as randomly worded e-mails.

Once opened the attachment can overwrite essential system data and display an insulting message on the host computer.

The worm has remained among the most widespread viruses since its appearance, superceded only by July's 'Sir Cam' outbreak.

According to Kaspersky, the new variant adds an even more destructive payload.

They say under certain circumstances re-booting a 'Magistr.b' infected computer could delete all data on local and network disks.

Story filed: 17:11 Tuesday 4th September 2001

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