Users are being warned to watch out for a fake Microsoft
security update.
Circulating as an e-mail the fake message points people at a
bogus website that claims to host critical security updates.
But anyone downloading from the site will get a virus installed
that opens a backdoor into their computer the program's creators
can exploit.
Security firms and Microsoft urged users to ensure they visit
legitimate sites when downloading updates.
Fake sites
Anti-virus firm Sophos spotted the e-mail which uses subject
lines saying "Urgent Windows Update" and "Important Windows
Update"
In the body of the message is a web link that looks like it
should link to the Windows Update website but in fact links to a
site controlled by the malicious hackers.
What are the threats on the net?
Anyone downloading the fake update on the bogus webpage will
have their computer infected with the DSNX-05 trojan.
This opens a backdoor into the PC that could be exploited by the
creators of the malicious program.
Anyone falling victim to this could leave computer owners
vulnerable to identity theft or having their computer used to
send spam, attack other sites or host dubious material.
Microsoft said it only sent e-mails about security updates and
incidents to those that have explicitly asked to be sent them.
Also it said it never sends out information about security
problems before its website has been updated with information
about problems.
This means that if users cannot find information about security
problems mentioned in an e-mail on the Microsoft site, they
should be suspicious of the message.
Microsoft also urged users to type in the name of the website
they are trying to reach rather than use a hyperlink as these
can hide spoof websites.
"Users must be very careful to be sure they are going to the
official update websites, rather than just following links in
emails which have been sent by hackers," said Graham Cluley,
senior technology consultant at Sophos.
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
Install anti-virus software
Keep your anti-virus software up to date
Install a personal firewall
Use Windows updates to patch security holes
Do not open e-mail messages that look suspicious
Do not click on e-mail attachments you were not expecting
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