Beware of new Mydoom virus!

Chinese information security experts have spotted a new variant of Mydoom virus disguised as an e-mail "sent failed" message and cautioned the public to be on alert, the state media reported on Wednesday.

The virus, called Worm Mydoom M, attaches to files and then transmits via e-mail to addresses found on the infected machines, according to experts at the Tianjin-based National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre.

The virus is disguised as an announcement of an e-mail sending failure.

If the virus gets into a computer, it sets up and modifies certain system files and creates a so-called back-door, a programme that sits on the affected computer to

damage files contacted, according to the centre, the only anti-virus products testing and certification institution authorised by the Chinese ministry of public security.