Virus Alert: ILOVEYOU Virus hits Europe

Will Knight ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 04 May 2000 10:20 BST

A new computer virus is proliferating at rapid speed across Europe and has already felled at least three UK businesses according to a number of reports.

According to these early reports from ZDNet readers, the virus is contained within an email headed: ILOVEYOU, and is contained within an attachment called... A Love Letter For You.

Symantec Anti-Virus laboratories confirms the virus is propagating furiously and says that four "major European corporations" had serious difficulties with their email systems due to this virus. Symantec is, however, unable to confirm whether the virus has a destructive payload.

A spokeswoman says, "It seems to be very widespread. We've had reports from a lot of customers across the UK and Europe. We're currently working on a fix and hope to have one ready within the hour."

Users are advised to delete this email immediately

Software protecting against ILOVEYOU is available here.

ZDNet UK will continue to bring you updates on this story as information becomes available.

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