Christmas-themed malware attacks are doing the
rounds security firm Websense has warned.
Websense is warning people abou e-mail messages claiming the
link to animated cards.
The messages display
an animated Christmas scene and appear to come from
postcards.org, but
instead link to a malicious file called postcard.exe.
Once executed, the malware enables hackers to take control of
the compromised PC.
The file is hosted on various servers, including some in top
level domains like .com, the Websense alert said.
The best approach to this kind of e-mail is not to open it or
click on any links, Websense said in its guide to
Christmas scams.
Corporate networkswill come under increasing threat of attack as
employees access the internet in the run up to Christmas, it
says.
The guide said users should be wary of enticing offers, e-card
greetings, festive attachments and Christmas videos.
All these are used by cybercriminals to steal credit card
details directly or install malware to pass on those details.
If there is any doubt about an e-mail it should be deleted and
users should avoid opening any attachments, the guide said.
Google statistics show 77% of people plan to do more than half
their
Christmas shopping online and 86% will research gift ideas
using the web.
See:
Free Malware protection and removal information