Michael Jackson didn’t try to kill himself, but malicious hackers want you to think otherwise. An e-mail saying the pop singer tried to commit suicide was sent by hackers who want to destroy your computers.
The e-mail has the subject: “Re: Suicidal attempt.” Opening it would result in this message: “Last night, while in his Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson has made a suicidal attempt.”
Then the e-mail says that to keep reading, users must follow a link, which takes them to a web site. That site appears to be busy and not working, but while the users sit and wait, a Trojan horse virus is installed.
That virus then installs other viruses and soon the computer will not work.
Jackson is facing charges of child molestation.
Users around the globe are being swarmed with fake emails again as a new variant of the Sober worm is beginning to make its rounds.
Using enticing subject and body content by making references to the 2006 World Cup, the worm includes an infected attachment, hoping the user will open it thinking it is a legitimate email.
“Many people will be eager to attend one of the biggest sporting events in the world next year, and may think its worth the risk of opening the email attachment just in case the prize is for real. Computer users who don’t practise safe computing will feel as sick as a parrot, and will only be passing this worm onto other unsuspecting victims,” says Graham Cluely, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
As always, we recommend ONLY opening attachments from trusted individuals or using a webmail client to scan email before downloading it to your computer.
