Techtree.com (http://www.techtree.com) has released the following warning with respect the MYTOB worm, a new computer virus worm now in circulation.

Sophos, the virus and spam analysis center, has reported that the Mytob worm currently accounts for more than half of the top twenty viruses.

One of the most widespread variants - Mytob-CM - was first seen on Friday, 27 May and the Mytob worm reports to Sophos in the last 48 hours, represents 42.9% of all virus reports.

Mytob-CM spreads via email in an infected attachment. It purports to warn users of security or account issues in its subject line, such as *DETECTED* Online User Violation, Your Email Account is Suspended For Security Reasons and Account Alert.

When the infected attachment is launched, Mytob-CM attempts to turn off security applications and deny access to many popular security websites. It also attempts to open a backdoor onto the computer, allowing unauthorized and remote users to access the system.

Carole Theriault, security consultant, Sophos, stated that not only do these side-effects make it more difficult for recipients to get assistance from security experts, the open backdoor and lack of security also leaves infected users open to a whole host of other attacks.

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