Anti-virus firm MacAfee has warned the Chinese government and other Internet users of an updated version of the destructive Panda Burning Incense virus, which infected and damaged million computers in the country more than three years ago.
Fujacks, the original Panda virus, has caused major damage in computer systems around the country due to lack of online security during that period. It was also a generation of virus that has evolved from one source since the late 2006.
The spread of the worm has also led to the first arrest in China’s history in connection with the violation of anti-virus writing law.
McAfee Labs researcher Vu Nguyen said that the worm has a malware component that made it hard to detect by earlier versions of anti-virus software.
“The earlier version has damaged millions of PCs around China. But the new version has gotten more complex and poses more threat to users’ computers due to the addition of a rootkit,” Nguyen stressed.
A rootkit works by burrowing deep into the system and hides the existence of a particular malware.
“Once in has invaded the computer, the users will definitely have a more challenging time to clean up their PCs or worse, their computers and their entire system might be compromised by the virus,” the expert added.
It will be recalled that the earlier version of the Panda worm has gained its notoriety after users discovered its existence when an image of a panda holding three incense sticks replaced icons of infected files.
The image or icon would also flash in the users’ screens. Once in its final stages, the Panda virus will then install a Trojan horse malware, which is typically used by hackers to steal passwords.
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