Malicious software uses fake Obama site to infect computers
Hackers are using malicious software that exploits the buzz ahead of Tuesday's inauguration of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama to spread spam and gain access to individual computers, allowing them to potentially steal sensitive information.
A new group of inauguration-themed emails titled "What is going on with our country?" or "Breaking News" pass on messages like "Obama is gone," according to Symantec Corp., a maker of anti-virus software.
In the body of each email sent by the software, known as e-Malicious, is a link to a site that, at first glance, appears to be Obama's campaign website. Clicking on any link on the site, including one that reads, "Barack Obama has refused to be President," will download the Waledec botnet on the user's computer. Once installed, Waledec could allow a remote user to gain access to the computer and steal information or spread malicious software and spam.
