Computer users have been warned to be weary of multiple malware attacks that claim to offer photos or video footage of Bin Laden’s body and are spreading on the internet. While similar malware hoaxes are not uncommon particularly whenever there is a popular event, their presence on the Web has been reported to increase significantly since President Barack Obama announced Bin Laden’s death early this week.
Facebook Hoax
Already, the picture and video scams is already proving to be popular among Facebook users with wall posts that, for example, reads, “Disturbing Yet Awesome!) [sic]” and includes a photo of Bin Laden’s face inside a cross-hairs. The post contains a link that says, “Bin Laden EXECUTION VIDEO! Yes it’s REAL!” and subtext that says, “Commandos attack Bin[sic] Laden’s compund [sic] and take him out!” While such links may appear to take those who click on it to a real Facebook page, the purported video is false and victims will be asked to copy and past a JavaScript code into their Web browser’s address bar following which their computers will be infected and automatically post the hoax to their friends’ walls.
Email Hoax
Usually there are different versions of these kinds of malware hoax and already there are reports that they have also turned up in peoples email inboxes. Experts warn that users should be very careful so as avoid falling for these and other similar Web scams associated with the “pictures and videos of Bin Laden’s execution”. Furthermore, all suspicious emails and wall posts should be deleted immediately.