A new virus that targets internet piracy has been detected. According to security firm Sophos, the Nopir-B worm is disguised as DVD copying code; but when downloaded it deletes all MP3 music files, whether legally or illegally obtained.
The worm, believed to be of French origin, has been found on peer-to-peer networks, which are frequently used for internet piracy, through the illegal sharing of copyrighted material such as music, films and software.Pirates can also make unauthorised copies of commercial DVDs and video games by using copying software, which circumvents the security features normally contained on the products.According to Sophos, the worm takes a vigilante approach to internet piracy. It is disguised as a DVD-cracking code; but when downloaded onto a computer running Windows, it tries to delete all MP3 music files and other programs from the infected computer."The Nopir-B worm targets people it believes may be involved in piracy, but fails to discriminate between the true criminals and those who may have MP3 files they have created themselves," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos."Whichever side of the fence you come down on in regards to internet piracy, there's no debate about the criminal nature of this worm – designed to inflict malicious damage on people's Windows computers," he added.There have been only a few reports of the worm, but Sophos advises users to keep their anti-virus software up to date.
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