One of the main actions of this worm was that it replaced the host file on affected computers with a file downloaded from the website which has now been shut down. So, now that this web page has been shut down, the danger level of this worm has been significantly reduced.

"The host file is essential when browsing the Internet, and so the closure of this website is another step forward in protecting computers," said Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs, whose efforts led to the site closure. "Panda Software understands that protection should not stop at detecting malware, but must go more in-depth than the mere code: research should continue until the danger has been completely eradicated. That is why," he added, "we are in contact with organizations, entities and institutions worldwide, which like PandaLabs, strive to make securing systems a complete and lasting process".

Since 1990, the mission of PandaLabs, said Corrons, "has been to analyze new threats as rapidly as possible to keep our clients save. Several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc), work 24/7 to provide global coverage."

To help as many users as possible scan and disinfect their systems, Panda Software offers a free, online anti-malware solution, Panda ActiveScan, which now also detects spyware, at http://www.pandasoftware.com/home/default.asp.