Conficker virus authors blamed for Valentine’s scam
The hackers behind the Conficker virus may also be responsible for a worm which takes advantage of Valentine’s Day. Speculation about the link comes as security experts continue to wonder when the Conficker creators will exploit the network of infected computers.
The new worm, dubbed Waladec, is a true old-school virus: it spreads through exploiting human gullibility more than system bugs. The scam involves people receiving e-mails, supposedly from people they know, which direct them to a web page containing a selection of 12 different images of hearts.
The recipient then has to guess which one is for them. When they guess correctly (and it appears every guess is correct) they win a prize. Unfortunately this prize takes the form of an executable file and running it leaves you with an infected computer rather than flowers and chocolates. It’s stunning that such primitive tactics still work today, but at one stage this week the virus was responsible for 15% of all e-mails worldwide.
