NEWS The BBC has admitted sending out the Sobig worm to subscribers of its email newsletter for the long running Radio 4 serial The Archers. The virus was sent to anybody who had signed up to be kept up to date with the goings on in Ambridge. Subscribers to the newsletter service received an email as normal, but any who double clicked on the attachment launched the Sobig virus which caused havoc last month for web users. Once activated the worm propagates itself by searching for an email address book and forwarding itself onto all the addresses it finds. A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "Despite the BBC's stringent anti-virus protocols, a virus was erroneously sent out to the Archer's mailing list today. Immediately we knew this happened, an email was sent out those on the list apologising for the error and offering advice on deleting the virus. An internal investigation is currently taking place to ensure a similar incident does not happen in the future." Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant, at Sophos, said: "The Sobig worm first appeared in mid January. It has had quite a big impact since then, indeed it was the fourth most prevalent virus during January. Most anti-virus vendors released protection against the Sobig worm as soon as it was detected, so Archers fans who have recently updated their anti-virus software would have avoided infection."
BBC admits sending virus to Archers listeners
Oh dear...
Post your comment
In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.
You can also log in with Facebook. Log in or create your silicon.com account below
Get silicon.com's daily newsletter
-

Enter your email to register
Featured white papers
-
CIO challenges: Bringing your iPad to work
The arrival of personal technology in the office is a challenge for all organisations. The technology is here, but not...
-
2012 Olympics: Is your business prepared?
Athletes prepare for all kinds of conditions and problems in competition. With the London-hosted Olympics fast...
-
10 safety tips for business in 2012
Remember 2011? It seems like so long ago, with the speed of IT moving faster all the time. Data keeps growing, social...
Keep in touch with silicon.com
-
Connect with silicon.com on Facebook
Discuss the news of the day with the silicon.com team
-
Follow silicon.com on Twitter
Get regular updates from the silicon.com editors
-
Join the silicon.com LinkedIn networking group
Network with your peers and share expertise
Latest jobs
-
Managing Director - NBA3045
Managing Director – Cash and Transit Salary: £95K - £140K Basic, Bonus, Pension Scheme, Family...
-
Managing Director - NBA3045
Managing Director – Cash and Transit Salary: £95K - £140K Basic, Bonus, Pension Scheme, Family...
-
Managing Director - NBA3045
Managing Director – Cash and Transit Salary: £95K - £140K Basic, Bonus, Pension Scheme, Family...
silicon.com newsletters
-
Stay up to date with silicon.com newsletters
Keep up with the latest news and analysis from silicon.com with our free email newsletters




