BRUSSELS – The problem of malicious ‘spyware’ programmes attacking computers in Belgium is more serious than previously thought, according to anti-virus group Symantec.

Various Belgian newspapers reported on Tuesday that, seventy-six percent of Belgian computers connected to the internet have been affected, says a study commissioned by the US-based company.

Once installed on a computer’s hard drive, spyware can send messages surreptitiously over the internet.

This slows the computer down gradually and can cause some machines to seize up altogether.

The worse forms of spyware can obtain sensitive information – for example credit card numbers – from an infected computer.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news