14 DAY TRIAL // I knew I was on to something last Friday when I wrote this article. I don't like saying I told you so? but I did! It's official - spammers are exploiting sex appeal, just like I was telling you last week!
As for the title, well, it's generally not a bad thing to like sexy blondes, but if you do and cannot restrain yourself when in front of the PC, then you just might get a virus. Spammers have been using the picture of a rather cute blue eyed, pigtailed blonde woman to make gullible users click on links (and getting viruses).
As Sophos experts have reported, spammers are taking advantage of the current popularity of social-networking and online friendships amongst adults. The messages they send claim to be from a certain Ann Berns who states (in the e-mail) that she is your long lost buddy from high school. Isn't that sweet? Actually, it would be, if it were for real. But it's not, so don't fall for this!
"The lonely, the horny, or the just plain curious might be tempted to click on the link - but if they do they risk falling straight into a trap set by hackers," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "It's a pretty sad state of affairs that cybercriminals need little more than a picture of a blonde woman with pigtails to steal passwords from unwary internet users. Everyone needs to learn to take more care over unsolicited emails, and ensure that they are properly defended when they open their email inbox or surf the web."
So here's what you have to keep in mind: if you receive such e-mails, and click on links inside them, not only you won't get any new friend, but you will also get a Trojan keylogger that will steal data from your computer! So, I'm telling you again - don't let yourself fooled by a pretty face!