Computer virus first to infect data files

By D. Ian Hopper
Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A new virus threatens to strike one of the Internet's most common and useful activities: sharing family photos.

The malicious program is the first to infect picture files, though it is not currently attacking computers. Called "Perrun," it worries researchers because it is the first to be able to cross from infecting a program to infecting data files, long considered safe from such threats.

"Potentially no file type could be safe," said Vincent Gullotto, head antivirus researcher at McAfee Security, which produces top-selling antivirus software.

As with any computer threat, the best way to protect a computer is to have updated antivirus software.

McAfee researchers received the virus from its creator. Virus writers typically send their new work to researchers — as well as fellow virus writers — as a way of bragging about their skills. Gullotto declined to identify the author. McAfee antivirus software can detect and remove Perrun.

Perrun is known as a proof-of-concept virus, and does not cause damage. But Gullotto said he fears other virus writers may use Perrun to create a more destructive version.

Until now, viruses infected program files — files that can be run on their own. Data files, like movies, music, text and pictures, were safe from infection. While earlier viruses deleted or modified data files, Perrun is the first to infect them.

When an infected picture is viewed, it can infect other pictures. If the author wished, the virus could delete files on the computer or perform other mischief.

Because the picture displays normally, Gullotto said, the victim may not detect anything wrong.