Current computer virus scams: Zombies strike back

Don't be under impression that spam fighters have won the battle against unsolicited spam mails attacks. The analysis of current computer virus scams show that once again the spammers stike back with zombies virus real threat.

Spammers use updated software to remotely control hacked "zombie" computers so that spam fighters are unable to block the attack of spam emails.

Spam fighters unable to block spam emails

Zombie computers have been converted by spammers into email servers using a virus. Anti-spam companies compose lists of zombie computers so they can block mail from them. This new software gets round this by routing spam through the zombie PC's Internet service provider instead of sending it direct. This makes it difficult to block as ISPs relay vast amounts of legitimate mail.

Anti-spam e-mail security companies warned Internet users about a new variant of the Sober worm that was attacking e-mail servers around the world, with help from zombie machines.

Recent computer viruses details

Sober.AG began spamming out the new version in massive e-mail spams. The e-mail messages lure the recipients into opening the virus attachment in the form of messages. These messages pretend to come from the FBI and CIA.

Sober worms are not new, but its latest variant is widely distributed than other recent versions because it is being sent out simultaneously from large numbers of Sober-infected bots.

The specialty of new worm is that it sends messages in both German and English language.

Warning from FBI

Messages that pretend to come from the FBI or CIA tell users that their IP address has been logged on "more than 30 illegal Websites," and asks them to open an attached file containing a "list of questions." As soon as user opens the attachment, it launches the Sober worm and infects the computer. The FBI warned the people to avoid such scams.

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