This latest threat is being spread via a spam email message with a clickable link inserted within the message. The message claims to have uncovered some rare adult video footage of her and in many cases the message will also contain a picture of Angelina Jolie nude. But what happens when you click on the link is you are directed to a spyware website and a download is immediately initiated prompting you to download and run the video file which then installs a trojan downloader onto your computer.
What is particularly unnerving is the fact that the programmers of this latest spyware threat have gotten so clever that they mention that the email was sent via an MSN Offers program, thus tricking the user into thinking that the email is legit.
This latest threat is a prime example of why you shouldn't open up any email attachments or click no any links contained within an email unless it is from someone you know and trust and even then, if the email looks at all suspicious contact the person from which the email came from to verify, preferable by phone.
This is very important and is just one of the steps you can take to protect yourself when online.
Here are 5 additional steps you can take to protect yourself from spammers and spyware:
1. Ensure you have a proven and reputable antivirus and antispyware software running on your computer and I am not talking about the freebies either - they just aren't very effective.
2. Ensure your computer is kept up to date with the latest security patches - Microsoft Windows users this means turning on Automatic Updates.
3. When downloading any type of file, even from a legitimate source, make sure you save the file first to your computer instead of just running it from the download location. This gives your antispyware and antivirus software a chance to scan it first.
4. Avoid P2P programs like Kazaa and Limewire - these types of sharing networks are inundated with spyware infected files.
5. Stay away from pornographic and gambling related websites. This should be self explanatory.
All of us as Internet users need to be responsible when we're online or in our inbox so that we can do our part to help limit the spreading of malicious spyware and malware.
And if you get an email claiming you can see a rare adult video of Angelina Jolie nude, report it to your ISP and then delete it or risk having your computer inundated with spyware.
