Viruses/Worms News

Malware spotted on Windows XP netbook

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

An anti virus vendor yesterday reported finding malware on a new Windows-based netbook, which researchers said appeared to have been loaded onto the computer at the factory, according to Computerworld.com.

Researchers had loaded security software onto the netbook - an M&A Companion Touch - and discovered three pieces of malware, including a variant of the AutoRun worm that spreads from PC to PC through USB thumb drives, Computerworld.com reported.

The brand new netbook was still in its original packaging when the researchers bought it, leading them to believe the malware was loaded onto the computer at the factory where it was built.

The researchers found multiple Windows system restore points, which researchers said are an indication that the machine had been updated with new drivers or software before it left the factory.

One of the restore points included the malware, indicating that it had been put on the machine before then, according to Computerworld.com.

Researchers said machines infected at the factory is rare, but other types of hardware have been recalled due to malware. Amazon.com last year recalled digital picture frames that came with an infected CD, according to Computerworld.com.