A new computer virus has been detected in South Africa by Symantec, a global computer security company. The virus is named Clampi, and is said to target online bankers by copying their usernames and passwords when they are entered on banking websites. According to a report on Fin24.com, the virus was first detected in 2008, and has spread rapidly across the UK and USA.

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An article on The Times Online says that the virus can sit unnoticed on the computer until the user logs onto banking, credit card or other financial website. It then copies the user’s login name and password and sends them to a server which is run by the hackers, who then have access to the money in that account.

This type of virus is commonly called a trojan (or trojan horse). According to Webopedia, a trojan, at first glance, appears to be useful software, but will damage your computer once it is installed. It is a dangerous type of virus as it often comes from a legitimate source, and causes a number of problems on your computer.

So how do you prevent your computer from a Clampi virus infection?
• Keep your computer antivirus software constantly up to date.
• Do not click on suspicious links sent to you in emails, instant messages or on social networking sites.
• If you use a wi-fi connection, make sure that your password is strong to prevent others from hacking into your network.
• Be careful when purchasing things online – always use a credit card instead of a debit card so that the virus can’t get hold of your PIN.

If you find that your computer has been hit by the Clampi virus (and you may only find out once it’s too late), Symantec suggests that you change all of your passwords on any websites you use, particularly the financial ones.