Software Maker Warns of 'Chet' Sept. 11 Computer Virus

The Chet worm spreads by reproducing itself as multiple e-mail messages sent to addresses contained in a computer's files, Tokyo-based Trend Micro said on its Web site.

The bug appears on a recipient's e-mail log with the subject header "All people!!" and begins with the message: "Dear ladies and gentlemen! The given letter does not contain viruses, and is not Spam."

It describes a conspiracy theory about the terror strikes on Washington and New York, and urges readers to open the photos and documents attached, Trend Micro said.

Opening the message activates the worm, which immediately enters computer files and instructs e-mail software to disseminate similar messages to other computers, the company said.

Trend Micro, which specializes in antivirus software, didn't say what kind of damage Chet could do, though such worms tend to tie up Internet traffic by sharply increasing the number of messages being sent.

The company said no cases had yet been detected in Japan. It was offering a free Japanese-version software vaccine on its Web site.

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