Email users looking for Michael Jackson news, following the pop star's sudden death last week, should be extra careful when using their email.
According to IT security and control firm Sophos, there is a mass-mailing worm attack that is currently spreading via a malicious email campaign.
The email, which has the subject line 'Remembering Michael Jackson' and claims to come from 'sarah@michaeljackson.com', says that an attached ZIP file - titled 'Michael songs and pictures.zip'- contains secret songs and photos of Michael Jackson.
However, by opening the attachment, computer users are exposed to infection. Once infected, a computer will begin automatically spreading the worm onto other Internet users.
USB devices targeted too
Besides spreading via email, Sophos experts note that the malware is also capable of spreading as an Autorun component on USB memory sticks. This is an increasingly common trend for malware, as use of these devices becomes more and more popular.
"In light of the huge interest in Jackson since his sudden death, there are likely to be many computer users who are tempted into opening the attachment," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.
"But, sensible computer users should by now be well aware that cyber-criminals will be quick to exploit news events to spread malware and spam."
"Anyone who receives this email should delete it immediately to save themselves the embarrassment of infecting their email contacts."
