New Worm Attacks Windows

According to reports, a new internet worm has been detected, which is targeting recently discovered flaws in Microsoft's Windows operating system.

The new worm named "ZOTOB" has emerged close at the heels of Microsoft s discovery of "critical" flaws in its software, including one that could allow a hacker to take complete control of the affected computer.

Tokyo-based Trend Micro stated, that "ZOTOB" exploits holes in Microsoft Windows platforms such as 2000, NE, ME, 98, 95 and XP and can give an attacker remote access to infected systems.

The security firm also said, that hundreds of infection reports had been sighted in Germany and the United States and that there were chances of further infection mainly because users were still not aware of the latest flaws in Microsoft's Windows operating system and the availability of patches for the same.

According to Trend Micro, the "ZOTOB" virus drops a copy of itself called BOTZOR.EXE into the Windows system folder, modifies the host file of the affected computer and prevents the user from getting on-line assistance from anti-virus websites.

"ZOTOB" connects to a specific internet relay chat server and gives hackers remote control over infected systems. Further, it can affect other machines in the network, slowing down network performance.

Security engineers at Microsoft have asserted, that the worm is affecting only Windows 2000 and not other versions of Windows.

However, as a precautionary measure, Trend Micro has requested users to apply the latest Microsoft patches to protect their computer systems.