14 DAY TRIAL // The spam messages are extremely powerful and are tending to use every new event to exploit the users' computers. Now, the unwanted messages are sustaining they contain secret camera phone recordings with the Virginia shooting, showing an image with the killer. Security company Sophos reports the messages contain an infected file entitled TERROR_EM_VIRGINIA.scr that might infect a computer with Mal/Packer. The SCR extension is usually a screensaver and can be used to distribute Trojan files able to steal passwords or other private information.
"It is extremely disturbing that cybercriminals have so quickly jumped to exploiting this horrible tragedy. Unfortunately, it's not that surprising. We've seen similar behavior with other tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the death of Pope John Paul II. Cybercriminals prey on the interest of concerned citizens hoping for the latest information on breaking news and, if history repeats itself, we'll see this campaign continue until interest fades," said Ron O'Brien, senior security analyst with Sophos, according to a press release published by the security company.
If you want to avoid the infection distributed via spam messages, you should refuse to open untrusted email or scan the attachments with a powerful antivirus. You're also advised to keep your antivirus solution up-to-date and read the content of the mail before opening it.
In the recent period, the spam messages assaulted the email accounts from all over the world, Gmail being also affected although it is regarded as a powerful solution against unwanted mails. As I said, my Gmail inbox was invaded by 2 spam messages, the first one containing an ad to popular medicines such as Viagra and Xanax. The second one was even more dangerous because it contained an attachment but no text message included.