[news release] The FBI today warns computer users to exercise caution when they receive e-mails that purport to show photos or videos of Usama bin Laden’s recent death. This content could be a virus that could damage your computer. This malicious software, or “malware,” can embed itself in computers and spread to users’ contact lists, thereby infecting the systems of associates, friends, and family members. These viruses are often programmed to steal your personally identifiable information.The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) urges computer users to not open unsolicited (spam) e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages. Even if the sender is familiar, the public should exercise due diligence. Computer owners must ensure they have up-to-date firewall and anti-virus software running on their machines to detect and deflect malicious software.The IC3 recommends the public do the following:
- Adjust the privacy settings on social networking sites you frequent to make it more difficult for people you know and do not know to post content to your page. Even a “friend” can unknowingly pass on multimedia that’s actually malicious software.
- Do not agree to download software to view videos. These applications can infect your computer.
- Read e-mails you receive carefully. Fraudulent messages often feature misspellings, poor grammar, and nonstandard English.
Report e-mails you receive that purport to be from the FBI. Criminals often use the FBI’s name and seal to add legitimacy to their fraudulent schemes. In fact, the FBI does not send unsolicited e-mails to the public. Should you receive unsolicited messages that feature the FBI’s name, seal, or that reference a division or unit within the FBI or an individual employee, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/malicious-software-features-usama-bin-laden-links-to-ensnare-unsuspecting-computer-usersAlso see:Bin Laden death “video” used as computer scam hook
Computer hackers are exploiting the fascination with the death of Osama bin Laden to spread malicious software through scams that promise access to videos of the historic killing.One of the campaigns targets Facebook users, who receive e-mails purportedly from friends who urge them to cut and paste a string of malicious text they are told will give them access to a video of bin Laden’s killing.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/04/us-binladen-computer-virus-idUSTRE7437EM20110504Osama scams: FBI sounds alarm
The FBI is warning computer users against unsolicited emails and social network posts purporting to show photos or videos of the killing of Osama bin Laden.The bureau says they may contain a virus that can steal personal identification information or infect a computer. Such malicious software could even be passed along unknowingly by a friend or family member.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/security/osama-scams-fbi-sounds-alarm-20110504-1e7cw.htmlOnline scammers use bin Laden news as bait [AFP]
Computer security experts are warning that online scammers have already started to exploit the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to spread malware.”Watch out for the links you’re likely to come across in email or on social networking sites offering you additional coverage of this newsworthy event,” Paul Ducklin of computer security firm Sophos said in a blog post.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/03/3206571.htmFBI warns that fake bin Laden video is a virus
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation warned computer users Tuesday that messages claiming to include photos and videos of Osama bin Laden’s death actually contain a virus that could steal personal information.The warning comes as security companies said that they’ve spotted the first samples of malicious software disguised as photos of the dead Al Qaeda leader.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9216389/FBI_warns_that_fake_bin_Laden_video_is_a_virus
http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/385224/fbi_warns_fake_bin_laden_video_virus/
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/050411-fbi-warns-that-fake-bin.html
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/227039/.html