Maybe this is common knowledge as I don't keep up with such things, but apparently there is a virus being reported dubbed as Nopir.B, that is spread over P2P networks. Reportedly originating in France, security researchers at Sophos say the bug is designed to look like a DVD-cracking program, they also put forth a theory that the writer is trying to stamp out piracy. When the worm (ok, it's not a bug it's a worm) is invoked, it attempts to delete all MP3 music files and wipe some programs from the infected PC.
Here is what happens if you are unlucky enough to run this exectable: W32/Nopir-B will display an anti-piracy image on the screen when run. The worm will then delete all COM and MP3 files from the computer. The worm will also disable taskmanager, registry tools, and access to the control panel. W32/Nopir-B will also check for debuggers and may attempt to disable any such software that it finds.
Ouch! I guess the only thing worse than running a virus on the old workstation, is having to read an annoying anti-piracy message as it deletes your tunes!
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Of course in the next breathless statement, Sophos recommended updating your antivirus software. To be sure, they said that only a few cases have been reported and put the risk as "low". The article did not reveal any names for the program as we would see it listed on a P2P search, which would have been nice. You can read the advisory on the worm over at Sophos page.
Source: C|Net Asia
