FBI Warns Of Valentine's E-Mail Worm, Malware Can Seize Control Of User's Computer

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/080211.htm

http://www.cbs46.com/technology/15281489/detail.html

BOSTON -- The FBI warned all the romantics across the country to beware of a malicious computer worm spread through e-mails that could be aimed at U.S. residents on Valentine's Day.

An alert from the bureau's Internet Crime Complaint Center said computer users should be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm worm malicious software -- also called malware.

The e-mails direct recipients to click on a link to retrieve an electronic greeting card. Once the user clicks on the link, the malware is downloaded to the user's Internet-connected device, causing it to become infected.

The user's equipment also becomes a part of the Storm worm botnet, which the FBI said is a network of compromised machines under the control of a single user.

Botnets are typically set up to facilitate criminal activity such as sending spam e-mails, identity theft or denial of service attacks. The captured devices can also be used to spread more malware to other computers.

The Storm worm virus has been sent on various holidays in the past year, with millions of e-mails advertising an e-card link within the text of the spam e-mail, according to the FBI. Valentine's Day has been identified as the next target.

Officials warned computer users to be wary of any e-mail received from unknown senders. They advised users against ever opening any unsolicited e-mails and cautioned against ever clicking on any links sent in such e-mails.