Virus attacks UBS e-banking clients

Clients using electronic banking (e-banking) services at Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, have been under attack from a new e-mail virus. The virus specifically targets users of UBS's PIN software.

The bank said few clients were at risk and there were no reports of damage so far.

“Only a small proportion of UBS e-banking clients are at risk. The vast majority do not use PIN software and are therefore not affected by the virus,” the bank said in a statement.

It said the bank’s computer specialists had set up virus filters on Wednesday, successfully preventing the virus from spreading within the bank’s network.

The virus is spread in the same way as the “I love you” virus that caused havoc several months ago, via the Microsoft Outlook e-mail programme. The mail containing the virus is named “Resume” and contains an attachment bearing the name “resume.txt.vbs”.

As soon as the attachment is opened, the virus attempts to delete list numbers from the bank’s PIN module. However, UBS said that “it cannot do so if the user has configured UBS PIN according to the installation instructions provided”.

UBS has asked e-banking clients who use UBS PIN and who have opened the “Resume” virus to call 0848 848 062 without delay.

UBS also said it is preparing to take legal action against whoever is responsible for the virus attack.

by Tom O’Brien