So far, though, Shamoon -- Symantec calls it that because of strings found in the malware folders saying that, as well as "Arabian Gulf" -- doesn't appear to be something that's being blasted out to a very wide audience. In fact, Shamoon malware seems to be aimed at very specific targets.

"It may be targeted at particular companies," says O Murchu. At this point, Symantec thinks it's possible that oil companies in the energy sector could be intended targets of Shamoon.

Ellen Messmer is senior editor at Network World, an IDG publication and website, where she covers news and technology trends related to information security. Twitter: @MessmerE. Email: emessmer@nww.com.

in Network World's Wide Area Network section.