The FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center have received reports of recent spam e-mails spreading malicious "Storm Worm" software, officials said Wednesday. The e-mails, which contain the phrase “F.B.I. vs. Facebook,” direct recipients to click a link to view an article about the FBI and the popular social networking Web site. The Storm Worm virus has also been spread in e-mails advertising a holiday e-card link.
According to an FBI press release, clicking the link downloads malware onto the Internet-connected device, causing it to become infected with the virus and part of the Storm Worm "botnet," a collection of compromised computers under the command of a criminal “botherder.”
“The spammers spreading this virus are preying on Internet users and making their computers an unwitting part of criminal botnet activity," the FBI's Richard Kolko said. "We urge citizens to help prevent the spread of botnets by becoming Web-savvy. Following some simple computer security practices will reduce the risk that their computers will be compromised."
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