Virus attacks AOL accounts, steals passwords

Virus attacks AOL accounts, steals passwords
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

SAN FRANCISCO, FEB 2: America Online users are beinghit by "a large and increasing number" of computer viruses that are stealing users' AOL passwords, a virus protection firm said.

California-based McAfee.com, a leading computer security firm said yesterday the virus is spread via e-mail. The virus installs itself on to a computer and then exposes passwords and other account information to unauthorized users. It usually arrives in a file named "mine.zip" that's attached to e-mails.

The most virulent form of the virus has been designated"APStrojan.qa." This strain can spread via AOL's "Buddy List," which is a tally of other AOL clients who as users communicates with via AOL's instant messaging function.

``While variants of the APSTrojan have been circulating for nearly a year, McAfee.com has recently noticed a significant increase in infected computers,'' said a McAfee statement. ``There are roughly 30 variations of the AOL password-stealing Trojan, but APSTrojan.qa is replicating at a far greater rate than other similar Trojans due to its mass-mailing properties."

McAfee.com and AOL are working together to publicize the infections.