Computer users have been warned to watch out for two potentially damaging emails, one a virus and the other a hoax.
The email virus poses as a naked photo of actress Jennifer Lopez and operates like a traditional "worm" - such as the Anna Kournikova or I love you viruses - by forwarding itself to everyone in a user's address book once an attached file is opened.
But unlike those two relatively benign viruses, the J-Lo virus is highly destructive. It overwrites music and graphic files and launches the Chernobyl virus, which can completely paralyse a computer. Both problems require a hardware fix.
The email arrives with the subject heading "Where are you?" and the message "This is a pic of me in the beach." The attached file is named JenniferLopez_Naked.jpg.vbs.
Computer security experts believe the J-Lo virus originated in Algeria, but so far have had few reports of infections.
"This proves that the average guy sitting in front of a computer will double click on anything with legs," said Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant with computer security company Sophos. "Users need to take a cold shower and be cautious of opening any unsolicited email attachments."
The second email poses as a virus warning, telling users to scan their hard drives for the Sulfnbk.exe file. The email explains that the file is a virus and instructs users to delete it.
Sulfnbk.exe is actually a standard PC file that backs up and restores files with long names. Deleting it will damage the computer.
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10.05.2001: Emailers avoid pornographic virus
14.02.2001: 'Anna' email virus wreaks havoc
Useful links
Message Labs
Symantec warning on the Sulfnbk hoax
Sophos
