The newest version of the Sober worm, unleashed on the English- and German-speaking world on Friday, has an interesting twist.
The version aimed at Germans claims to contain an attachment featuring photos of an exotic dancer seeking employment. Specifically, the Sober-sent email claims to include photos of an unclothed 21-year-old blond go-go dancer, looking for work.
The version aimed at the English-speaking world features the more mundane tag “delivery failure” (or, somewhat more interestingly, “oh god”).
In any case, however, the worm is a serious threat, and not to be taken lightly. Those whose computers have a Sobering experience will find that the worm provides its own SMTP program, scrapes all email addresses which it finds on the infected computer, and then replicates itself by emailing itself to all of those email addresses. Then, as if that’s not enough, it leaves a channel open on the infected computer so that other programs can later be injected into the unsuspecting user’s computer.
Most major anti-virus programs, including Sophos and McAfee, already have updates out for this version, codenamed Sober.j
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us out of our pocket to keep the site going (going on 20 years now!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are VERY appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
And now, play along with us! Why do you think that the German version is so much more …interesting… than the English-language version?
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us out of our pocket to keep the site going (going on 20 years now!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated!
Receipts will come from ISIPP.