‘Fizzer’ Virus Infecting PCs Via E-Mail

A malicious computer program called the “Fizzer” worm has spread worldwide by e-mail, infecting individual and business personal computers since May 8.

Computer-security software maker Network Associates Inc. has received about 50 reports of infections, Vice President Vincent Gullotto said. Rival Symantec Corp., the world’s largest maker of antivirus software, had 146 reports, including 26 from businesses.

Once activated through an e-mail attachment, Fizzer sends itself to e-mail addresses found on the user’s computer. The worm also can disable antivirus software, capture keystrokes and launch mass mailings that could overwhelm Web sites and server computers that distribute them.