A widespread spam campaign is using the reported deaths of
president-elect Barack Obama and losing challenger John McCain to
promote an online Canadian pharmacy.
The spate of emails, masquerading as breaking news, include
subject lines such as 'Barak and McCane killed', 'McCane died of
heart stroke' and 'McCane's wife private video', attempting to
pique computer users' interest enough so that they will open the
email.
"This sick and twisted campaign shows spammers have no shame in
stooping to the lowest levels in an effort to peddle their goods to
the public," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at
web security firm Sophos.
"The subject line is the first thing users see in their inbox -
if it's not of interest, they may not open it - so by using shock
tactics and topical news headlines, the spammers are banking on
curious users being more likely to open these emails, as opposed to
those that simply advertise an online drug store," said Cluley.
"The incorrect spelling should give this scam away, but computer
users should still be vigilant and ensure that they are fully
protected against these kinds of damaging and distasteful
attacks."
Widespread malicious spam attacks take advantage of Obama's win
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