Black Friday iTunes infected credit malware alert

[Meg]

BBC News - Black Friday iTunes infected credit malware alert

Criminals are targeting internet users with a new gift certificate scam, according to security experts.

Users receive an email that claims to be from Apple's iTunes store, warns the Eleven security blog.

The ZIP file attached contains malware that may allow hackers to gain access to the recipient's computer.

The security firm says that users are told they have been sent $50 (£32) of iTunes store credit and need to open an attached file to find out their certificate code.

The file contains a program known as Mal/BredoZp-B.

PCthreat.com says the software opens up a backdoor on Windows users' computers and may also capture passwords and other information.

It says the code may also slow down the infected computer's performance and make files disappear.

The malware can be removed with the use of anti-spyware tools.

Security adviser Sophos warns of a separate threat linked to Facebook.

It says users are receiving emails claiming that they have violated the social network's policy regulations by annoying or insulting other members.

An attached link take users to a web page that presents them with a fake "Facebook Account Disabled" form.

The firm says that members are then asked to fill in a series of forms requesting their login details, country of residence and the first six digits of their credit card number.

If the users refuse they are told their account will be blocked automatically.

[Robert]

Thanks for the info hon.

With hackers doing their best to produce new worms, trojans, viruses and other malware, we need to be on our guard and be aware of what is going on in cyberspace. All it takes is one to cause untold havoc and grief, and heaven only knows how many new forms of invasive programs the current "crop" has produced.