Symantec Warns Korgo Virus Is Getting Serious

BERLIN – The newest computer virus to hit worm-riddled cyberspace is Korgo (W32.Korgo), a worm that is so far isolated to parts of Germany but capable of targeting personal bank and credit card information without any involvement from a user, authorities said Thursday.

U.S. security firm Symantec issued a warning that the Korgo.F variant is becoming a serious threat. Korgo was first spotted on May 25.

According to cyber security experts, Korgo is strikingly similar in its codification to the Sasser virus and its subsequent variants. Sasser hit the web in May and swiftly crippled hundreds of big-name business networks and infected millions of computers.

Like many computer viruses that left their indelible mark on the Internet community before Korgo, the virus is rooted in a security loophole in Microsoft's Windows operating system. Operating systems that are particularly vulnerable are Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP. The virus does not infect Mac-based operating systems.

The Federal Office for Security in Information Technology based in Bonn issued a security warning this week on the dangers of Korgo, which does not rely on users to open an attachment or an email in order to launch an attack. The worm's primary function, say experts, is to hunt out online banking passwords and credit card numbers. The worm can enter through a back door unless a user deliberately applies a patch.

"This backdoor functionality could result in a loss of confidential data and may also compromise security settings," said Kevin Isaac, Symantec Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa. "This threat is another strong example of why it is critical for computer users to be diligent in applying security patches, keeping virus definitions updated, and following best practices."

Due to a rise in reported incidents of Korgo, Symantec has raised its warning response level from a Level 2 to a Level 3.

Microsoft has reportedly already made Korgo patches available to users but does not believe the virus will spread as quickly or as widely as Sasser.

Symantec is recommending that users implement a more "integrated" approach to network security because of the increase in worms designed to invade user privacy and confidentiality.

According to a recent report form a software security firm, the amount of new viruses released in the month of May alone hit a two-and-a-half-year high. Those viruses included Sasser, Netsky-Z, Sober-G, Bagle-AA, and Lovgate-V.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More