Top-Ten viruses detected by Panda ActiveScan in December 2001

Badtrans.B, Sircam and Disemboweler head the list of viruses eliminated by Panda Softwares free, online antivirus

MADRID, January 24th 2002

Panda Software, leading developer of antivirus software, has published the list of the ten viruses most frequently detected and eliminated in December 2001 by the companys free, online virus scanner, Panda ActiveScan.

Badtrans.B, detected in over 40 percent of cases, was by far the most frequent malicious code. The mass-mailing worms capacity to run automatically when the message carrying it is viewed in the preview pane has no doubt contributed to its virulence.

The infamous Sircam was also active in December, although to a far lesser extent than in previous months. As it can enter victims computers unnoticed, it is proving difficult to eradicate the virus completely.

After these two comes Disemboweler (or Magistr). This dangerous virus, capable of deleting files from the hard disk and altering the system CMOS, was detected in nearly 5 percent of cases.

VBS/Help (also known as HappyTime) was still out and about. Although only responsible for under 3.5 percent of infections, it is becoming one of the most persistent viruses, having appeared in all monthly top-ten lists since April 2001.

The Nimda worm, which exploded onto the scene in September, has fortunately been steadily disappearing, although it still accounted for more than 3 percent of Decembers infections.

Goner, Sheer.A, Aliz, and the Trojan Psw.Hooker, a 'close relation of Badtrans.B, all featured in the list with an occurrence rating of under 3 percent.

Finally, although Magistr.B. was also only detected in less than 3 percent of cases, this dangerous worms polymorphic nature has kept it in the top-ten month after month.

W32/Badtrans.B - 41.8%
W32/Sircam - 8.8%
W32/Disemboweler - 4.66%
VBS/Help - 3.43%
W32/Nimda - 3.29%
W32/Goner - 2.96%
W32/Magistr.B - 2.77%
W32/Sheer.a - 2.66%
Aliz - 2.3%
Trojan Psw.Hooker - 2.0%

Users that want to use this free, online solution can do so at Panda Softwares website http://www.pandasoftware.com. Panda ActiveScan is updated daily, offering protection against even latest generation viruses.

Panda Software also reminds users that ActiveScan is available to webmasters that want to include it on their websites. Administrators can request the HTML code from activescan@pandasoftware.com, indicating their country in the email.

About Panda Software
Panda Software (http://www.pandasoftware.com) is a leading international developer of computer security software, specializing in antivirus solutions for large networks. Their 100% in-house, cutting-edge technology has received awards and quality certifications from the most widely respected IT security institutions. Their commitment to client service and the concept of the protection of computer systems as a 24h-365d Insurance Policy rather than merely a software product have revolutionized the computer security industry. The quality of Panda Softwares products has been endorsed by the major industry watchdogs including: Virus Bulletin, ICSA Labs, Check Point and Checkmark.