Virus Interrupted Operation on Several Workstations in Springfield City

A virus that infiltrated computers in Springfield City (US) has led to the closure of a number of workstations in the city. The malware was detected on February 2, 2009, and has been spreading through the Internet; therefore, access to the web has been cut off for majority of city computers.

The virus has also disrupted a number of important projects of the city. Kevin Gipson, Director of Health Department, states that the malware has created obstacles in the department's service to issue death and birth certificates, as reported by News-Leader on February 4, 2009.

McAfee Inc., an antivirus protection vendor for the city, recognized the virus program as "Virut" which has been in the wild since 2006.

As per the reports, Virut has affected a good 1,600 computers in the city, including 5 portable computers installed on police vehicles. However, the crucial 911 system, fire, traffic and police services as well as building permits remain unaffected, according to Jeff Coiner Director of Information Systems for Springfield, as reported by News-Leader on February 04, 2009.

Meanwhile, it is still unclear as to what way the virus infiltrated the PCs. However, according to Coiner, the virus might have entered via a pop-up message that alerted the user that his system was contaminated with malware and so he must follow a given link to repair the problem. Thus, Coiner advised everyone who receives the e-mail to avoid clicking on the link.

Security specialists reveal that although the virus is spreading via the Web, people could communicate within the city through electronic means. According to Coiner, the virus does not spread though e-mail, as reported by OzarksFirst on February 4, 2009.

Besides, the malware seemed to be affecting only city computers. It did not affect the City Utilities systems, Coiner said.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Management's Greene County Office stationed its van for emergency communications in front of the Busch Municipal Building. Personnel inside the van had been aiding city residents in accessing their data as well as offered communication relays, said Coiner.

Additionally, the city authorities are working to remove the virus with the help of McAfee.

Related article: Virus Infects Through USB Drives

» SPAMfighter News - 2/21/2009

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