San Francisco - It didn't take the spammers long to capitalize on the massive interest in Michael Jackson. Security researchers at Sophos warned Thursday of the increasing levels of viruses and spam using Jackson's name to snare unsuspecting users.
One e-mail carries the subject line "Remembering Michael Jackson" was circulating with a worm in tow. The e-mail has a zip file attached that infects victims if downloaded.
"The e-mail, which claims to come from sarah@michaeljackson.com, says that the attached ZIP file contains secret songs and photos of Michael Jackson," Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, wrote on a blog. "However, the reality is that opening the attachment exposes you to infection - and if your computer is hit you will be spreading the worm onto other internet users."
Cluley said that the malware also spreads via USB memory sticks. Another e-mail promises an exclusive look at a YouTube video of the "last work of Michael Jackson," but instead installs a malicious program that steals passwords.
