Symantec researchers report that the UK's National Health Service has been hit by the data-stealing Qakbot worm.

"Qakbot spreads through webpages that install malware by exploiting patched vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Apple's QuickTime software," writes The Register's Dan Goodin. "It is able to self-propagate on local networks through file shares."

"While Qakbot primarily targets home users, plenty of corporate and government machines are infected as well," Goodin writes. "In addition to the NHS, other government computers that are compromised are located in Brazil."

Click here to read the article at The Register.