Advertisment

Cyber-crooks thrive on Osama’s death

author-image
CIOL Bureau
Updated On
New Update

BANGALORE, INDIA: Ever since the news of Osama Bin Laden's death hit cyber world, spam e-mails with videos disapproving his possible death are doing the rounds in cyberspace, finds security firm McAfee.

Advertisment

These e-mails lure users into clicking the link which are then directed to a site that downloads a small file onto your system.

Also Read: Why Osama never used a phone or gadget?

This file, detected currently as either “Heuristic.LooksLike.Win32.EPO.F” or “Artemis!7C4314D9690D” is a Trojan that does nothing but steal data. McAfee has also seen links and scams that lead to FakeAV, RBot and ZBot binaries.

Advertisment

Such spam mails carry the following subject lines

‘See video in which Osama bin Laden is shown holding a newspaper with today’s date’

OSAMA-BIN-Laden-aparece-segurando-jornal-com-a-data-de-hoje-obama-se-passa-por-mentiroso.exe

fotos-do-osama-morto.exe

pictures-of-osama-dead.exe

McAfee warns users to look out for any of the above words in the subject lines of emails, links via Facebook or Twitter as such mail/links will be malicious.

McAfee Tips to stay safe:

Be cautious and especially on guard when receiving messages that purport to offer photos of Bin Laden's body, funeral at sea or any additional details

Use a complete suite of security software on your PC for the best protection, such as McAfee Total Protection

Ensure all security updates are installed on the PC

To find local examples of scams or spam that take advantage of the Osama bin Laden news, check your own spam folder, facebook page, twitter stream, check with friends and then ask the local McAfee Labs team.

tech-news