Computer users around the world have been told to be on their guard for a new Trojan virus that is being readied for a global launch via spammed Valentine’s Day e-cards.
The Trojan, known as Win32/Waledec, is being readied for launch on unsuspecting lonely hearts.
Software maker CA has warned that once a computer is infected with the trojan, it can use the machine as a spam bot while gathering information about the host system and sending the data to accomplice web servers.
CA researchers noted last week that Waledac’s affiliated e-card scam websites have updated their content with a Valentine’s Day theme – an indication that attacks are being prepared.
Currently, Waledec-related websites distribute trojan executables with filenames such as love.exe; onlyyou.exe; you.exe; youandme.exe; and meandyou.exe, but new filenames could surface at any time.
“This threat is to be expected with any card-sending type of holiday, but there often is a new twist each year on delivery,” said Brian Grayek, vice-president of product management for CA’s Internet Security business unit.
“With a combination of awareness and ensuring your security software is current, individuals can be safe. Knowing about the threat early – before you find the email in your inbox or get the alert from your IT department – helps ensure individuals don’t open the email and click on links that launch the malware,” Grayek said.
By John Kennedy
