Computer security specialists at antivirus companies have detected a new infection, which spreads through pop-ups in web browsers.

What is more worryingly, though, is that the infection automatically installs itself in the computer without the user’s notice. Essentially, the worm, also known as Conficker, Confick or Downadup, appears on various websites as a pop-up in the center of the screen.

Even though the pop-up has a close button, that button is intentionally put there, as the virus installs itself as soon as the user clicks it.

Recent security reports regarding the new type of infection advise users to close the entire browser windows, using its close button, instead of the button of the pop-up one. This way, the process that is affiliated to the virus will be stopped and the system remains uninfected.

Tech specialists pointed out that the virus is spreading at an amazingly high rate. Not only will the virus spread through the system files on the infected computer, but it will also replicate itself through LAN networks and even USB flash drives that are connected to the computer.

In addition, all the files on the USB key will be infected, meaning that the affected flash drives will further infect all other computers where it will be plugged in.

Unhappily, the virus is designed to infect both PCs and Macs. At this time, antivirus companies have not yet released any solution to the infection, so it solely depends on end users whether they get infected or not.