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SoBig-C New Computer Virus Spreads Around the World - 2003-06-03

Feb 10, 2026 February 10, 2026 1 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

The SoBig-C computer virus is rapidly spreading worldwide, disguised as emails from Bill Gates. Experts warn users to avoid suspicious attachments to prevent infection. This incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity threats using trusted names to deceive users.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The SoBig-C virus underscores the persistent threat of cyber attacks disguised as legitimate communications.

👥 Key Players

Bill Gates MENTIONED
Co-founder of Microsoft
"As a prominent figure in technology, his name is often exploited in cyber threats, impacting trust in digital communications."
Computer Security Experts MENTIONED
Professionals who analyze and mitigate cybersecurity threats
"They play a crucial role in protecting users from malware and educating the public on safe practices."

📰 What Happened

A new computer virus named SoBig-C is spreading rapidly via emails disguised as messages from Bill Gates. Experts are warning users to avoid suspicious email attachments to prevent infection.

  • The virus first appeared on May 31, 2003.
  • It is the second recent instance of a virus using Microsoft's name to deceive users.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: In Iran, the spread of such viruses can undermine cybersecurity efforts and increase vulnerability to cyber attacks.
🌍 Regional: Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the region, where state and non-state actors may exploit vulnerabilities.
🌐 International: This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of cybersecurity in a digital age, affecting international relations and trust in technology.

📚 Background

Cybersecurity threats like the SoBig-C virus exploit users' trust in well-known figures to spread malware, highlighting the importance of digital vigilance.

Cybersecurity Malware and viruses
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information presented is factual and focuses on the cybersecurity threat without apparent bias.

A new computer virus named SoBig-C is spreading rapidly across the globe. This malicious virus often appears in emails that seem to be sent from Bill Gates, the billionaire owner of Microsoft. The SoBig-C virus first appeared last Saturday, and computer security experts warn to be cautious of emails from [email protected]. The virus has already infected many computers and has been known by other names as well. To prevent the spread of this virus, it is advised not to open any suspicious email attachments, especially those with names like screensaver.scr, movie.pif, and generally any file or email ending with .pif. This is the second time in recent weeks that virus distributors have used Microsoft's name to disguise themselves. In late May, the Palyh virus was also widely sent under the guise of Microsoft's support department: [email protected].

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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