A new computer virus has infected almost 75,000 computers worldwide - including 10 U.S. government agencies - collecting login credentials from online financial, social networking sites and email systems and reporting back to hackers, said an AP report.

 

The virus, dubbed the Kneber botnet, is thought to be the brainchild of an Eastern European criminal group that is likely selling the information on the black market, according to the Internet security firm NetWitness, which uncovered the attacks in January.

 

 

Infiltrated companies include pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Cardinal Health Inc., software firm Juniper Networks and Paramount Pictures, the report said.