WASHINGTON: A program that can be downloaded from the Internet disguised as anti-Y2K bug virus software is set to wreak PC havoc as the new millennium approaches, software editors warned Tuesday.

Software editor Symantec said 20 customers have already contacted it about the W95.Babylonia virus, discovered on Dec 6.

The virus is unique because it downloads pieces of itself off the Internet, which allows the virus' author to remotely, and on demand, give instructions to the virus and at any time in the future.

W95.Babylonia targets Internet Relay Chat users of the Internet's largest and most well-known online chat communities, MIRC, according to Symantec and Computer Associates International.

The virus tries to modify an infected system to display when the computer is booted the message "W95/Babylonia by Vecna (c) 1999, Greetz to RoadKil and VirusBuster ... Eu boto fogo na Babilonia!"

Once the PC is infected with the virus, W95.Babylonia is then transmitted to other users of the chat room thus infecting all files in PCs operating with Windows software.

The virus commands the system to send an e-mail to the address "" to track the number of computers infected.

Every 60 seconds the virus also consults a server managed by computer hackers in Japan to find new updates.

"This virus represents a new level of virus capability," said Computer Associates (CA) security solutions business manager Simon Perry.

"It is particularly dangerous due to the virus writer's ability to change the virus' payload remotely and after infection. CA is recommending that both business and home users update their antivirus software immediately."

Perry added: "CA's anti-virus teams are on high alert as we approach the new millennium, identifying new viruses and providing protection for our clients proactively."

As well as being able to send a command to destroy the infected computer's hard drive, the owner's credit card number and other personal information could be pirated, or an attack launched to time with New Year's, CA added.