Nyxem worm danger 'very low'

Security experts are asking internet users to not panic over the Nyxem worm that threatens to wipe data on infected computers tomorrow.

According to anti-virus companies including Sophos and SoftScan, the levels of infection in the UK and the majority of Europe are very low, and users should stay calm and not panic.

Sophos advises computer users to update their anti-virus software, to make sure they have patched their computer against the latest Windows security vulnerability and make sure that their firewall is on.

According to security experts, if users focus too much on Nyxem they will be unaware of other malware risks.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "When you panic, you make mistakes. Sit down, have a cup of tea, and work out if you have done everything you should have done to ensure your computer isn't at risk from the Nyxem worm, and indeed any of the other 120,000 pieces of malware in existence.

"If you're worried about Nyxem-D now is the time to look for it, but you also have reason to be worried about all the other malware out there. In January we saw 2,312 brand new pieces of malware, that's over 200 every single day."

Nyxem uses a variety of pornographic disguises to spread and overwrite Word, Excel, Access or PowerPoint files as well disable security software.