NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- An e-mail virus began circulating Monday that seeks to exploit immense interest in the terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and the war the U.S. is preparing to wage in response.
Antivirus software makers are calling the virus low to medium risk because only a few of their customers have encountered it. But they warn that the e-mail's enticing message and the virus' damaging payload make it a danger.
"It's unfortunate that people are taking advantage of current events in this way. But I can't say I'm surprised," said Susan Orbuch, a spokeswoman for Trend Micro Inc. (TMIC). "I'm hoping this is just a flash in the pan."
The virus has been dubbed "Vote" because the e-mail message that carries the infected file, labeled WTC.exe, invites recipients vote for peace.
The message's subject line reads "Peace Between America and Islam!" and the message text says: "Hi Is it a war against America or Islam? Let's vote to live in peace!"
