In order to spread wider and faster, two computer threats are working hand-in-hand, sharing actions and payloads.

	WEEKLY REPORTS Solutions, Prevention & Remedies Top 10 Threats

The two new worms, Gaobot.IUF and Prex.AM, could have been manually sent to only a few computer users when they were first released. However, since the threats are mainly circulated through MSN Messenger, the range of possible infection has grown tremendously.

When you run the infected file that contains both threats, Gaobot.IUF creates a backdoor in your system which allows a remote user to access the computer and give commands. There have been cases of stolen computer hardware information and computer game registration codes. Also, the threat could possibly access shared resources and files if your computer is part of a network.

Simultaneously, the second member of this team, Prex.AM, sends messages to your MSN Messenger contacts that read "hmm like my friend said don't look ahaha, SICK pictures." The link contained in this message leads your friends to an infected Web Site where the files download automatically.

Information, Protection and Prevention -- Gaobot.IUF and Prex.AM
• Panda Software Definition: Gaobot.IUF

• Panda Software Definition: Prex.AM

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* Reading: Solutions, Prevention & Remedies
Additional summary information related to a specific type of solution or prevention that you should be considering. Depending upon the week, this section may have:
• Recent Windows security releases from Microsoft
• Recent updates to widely used anti-spyware programs
• Recent updates to widely used anti-virus programs
• Recent updates to other security programs & devices (ex: Firewalls, routers)
• Recent updates to various applications in wide use

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Read: Top Threats
These are viruses that are currently on the watch lists of major anti-virus software companies.

Name
What the threat is called. We use the name given each virus by Panda Software. Sometimes other anti-virus companies give the same threat a different name. Usually they use similar names.

Type
There are different characteristics associated with different types of threats.
• Virus - has the ability to replicate or infect computers or other programs
• Trojan Horse (or Trojan) - appear to be harmless programs when you get them. They unleash their payload when you double-click, open, or execute them.
• Phishing - a Web site or e-maill message posing as another company - usually one you know to fool you into giving the sender personal information.
• Worm - self replicates onto additional disks, computers or networks
• Spyware - installs on your system to collect information about your activity, preferences or interests
• Hoax - false messages sent by e-maill to mislead the recipient
• Backdoors - opens a security hole that allows outsiders to take control of your computer
• Dialer - uses your telephone to dial an outside number - sometimes a number that costs you money when dialed

Affects
Not all viruses affect all types of systems. Some, for example may affect only Windows 98 and 95, but not Windows XP or NT. Others affect all Windows systems, but not Macintosh. In this column, we show you the consumer systems that the threat is known to affect. We don't always include the servers that operate in your company's backroom.

Alert level
The level of awareness that anti-virus vendors suggest you need to have for each threat listed.
For each threat listed, we'll post a corresponding link here, so you can get more information to help you recognize, diagnose, prevent, and repair the problem.