New 'Flame' Virus Found; EU Boosts Iran Sanctions

Cyber-security experts have spotted a small but precise "mini-virus" riding on the heels of Flame, the espionage tool designed by Israel and the US to undermine Iran's nuclear facilities, reports YNet News. Dubbed "mini-Flame," the new virus appears "designed to steal data and control infected systems," said the Russian-based Kaspersky Lab. So far the lab has spotted a few dozen mini-Flame infections in computers in Iran, Lebanon, the US, France, and Lithuania.

Also today, the EU amped up its sanctions against industry, shipping, and banking sectors in Iran in an effort to revive talks over the country's nuclear program. "I absolutely do think there is room for negotiations," said the EU's foreign policy chief. But Germany's foreign minister sounded a pessimistic note, saying Iran "is still playing for time." The EU had resisted imposing major industry bans for fear of hurting average Iranian citizens. (More Flame virus stories.)