A VIRUS that wipes data from PCs has knocked out businesses in Hythe and Folkestone. The W32Klez virus has been spreading rapidly. One company in Hythe lost everything because it did not have adequate back-up files.

The virus arrives by e-mail and targets a weakness in the Microsoft Outlook Express package.

TIt is particularly dangerous because the e-mail does not have to be opened for it to be released. Michael Waterman from PC and Mac Solver in Hawkinge has been dealing with the problem.

He said: "There are numerous viruses going around at the moment, this one and a number of other W32 viruses or worms. We usually have a lot of problems with viruses during the school holidays. This is a world-wide thing. Kids get bored and they think it is fun to modify these viruses and send them on.

"One of the problems we had in Hythe was with a company who did not back up their work. Although this will not stop you getting the virus it will stop you losing ten years of data. I advise people to get a proper back-up system like a zip drive, CD or DVD or portable hard drive.

"I would also advise companies to get the latest version of Norton AntiVirus and to keep updating it by looking on the website. If you receive this e-mail and don't know what you are doing it is best to call an expert. The problem is getting worse and with the summer holidays coming up I cannot see it getting any better."