“Free Sex Movie” Virus on the Loose

Many computer users are falling victim to a malicious email that promises free sex movies. The malicious program has a subject similar to “Here you have”  and security experts say that some variant of the virus has a link that looks like it connects to a PDF  document which recipients are told to download. However, those who click on the link end up at a Website hosting the virus which once installed, gains access to their entire Outlook address book rather than delivers the promised sex videos or documents.

The malware consequently tries to delete security software so as to remain hidden and then sends copies of itself to every email address it can find on the victim’s computer. Furthermore, the malware tries to find more victims by searching for open Web links and exploiting Windows Autorun feature on attached media such as memory sticks on infected computers.

Although the Website which hosts the virus has been recently shut down, experts warn that variants of the worm might soon re-surface. Before being contained, the virus was reported to have hit hard on some large corporations such as NASA, AIG, Disney, Wells Fargo and Procter & Gamble such that their email inboxes were flooded with messages bearing the malicious link.

Web users are therefore warned not to open unsolicited emails and be careful before clicking on links or attachments in emails particularly when the message is from a downloading site. Meanwhile, taking additional security measures such as having up-to-date anti-virus software programs still apply.

Talking Point

Have you ever been a victim of malicious email attacks?