While the possibility of an avian flu epidemic looms over the world, hackers are using this concern as a hook to spread a vicious computer virus. The virus is hidden in a Microsoft Word document that is attached to an email with subject lines such as "Outbreak in North America" and "What is avian influenza (bird flu)?"
The virus is called the Naiva.A (Avian spelled backwards). Hackers are hoping that the recent bird flu scare will entice the recipient to open the infected document. Doing so releases a virus that modifies and deletes important files, thus reeking havoc upon the infected computer. The virus also installs a program that allows hackers to control the infected computer remotely, enabling hackers to use your computer to send spam and create denial of service assaults on targeted websites without your knowledge.

The virus can also be spread by infected disks, peer to peer networks, and Internet downloads. While this virus is not considered a major threat, its appearance points out how up-to-date virus creators are and how they try to trick innocent computer uses into opening email attachments.

Naiva.A can fake the email headers making it look like the email is from someone you know. As usual, don't open any email attachments that you are not expecting even if they seem to be from a trusted friend or acquaintance. Install a good antivirus program and be sure to keep it up to date. All the major antivirus programs are aware of this virus and can stop it as long as your virus program has been recently updated.