'High risk' virus hits PCs

A mass mailing JavaScript virus going by the name of Gigger started hitting Windows PCs this week.

Its ability to spread via Microsoft Outlook and Internet Relay Chat programs has earned it a 'high risk' rating. The virus uses the now run-of-the-mill combination of social engineering and email to propagate.

Arriving as an email with the subject 'Outlook Express Update', if the 'Mmsn_offline.htm' attachment is opened the virus infects all .HTML files on the local drive and then searches any network drives and copies itself into the start menu of these drives as 'Msoe.hta'.

It then attempts to delete all files on the local drive and adds a line to the Autoexec.bat file that will reformat the C: drive if the computer is restarted.

Because of its destructive nature and method of spreading, Gigger has been given a high risk rating, although most antivirus firms already have an antidote and patch available.