Spammers Present Reduced Price Edition of ‘Vista’

As per a warning by security experts on December 19, 2006, computer hackers have started an image spam promotion that provides a cut in the price of 'Microsoft's Vista'. The spam mail contains embedded graphic instead of regular text, and claims to supply the new operating system in reduced price editions.

This year has many stories of successful spamming. The above mentioned spam campaign is widespread and carries all the characteristics of a typical 'image spam', said Graham Cluley, 'senior technology consultant' for 'Sophos'. The point of concern is the lack of awareness among people about web and e-mail threats. System administrators and security specialists have more knowledge about 'informative websites', but the common man cannot recognize nor have any clue about them.

Sophos has said that it wasn't clear if responding to the spam mail would present a pirated edition of 'Windows Vista' or simply steal the user's credit card particulars. The company therefore advises computer users to install protective software to keep away viruses, spyware, phishing and spam.

Security specialists are unsure about the actual purpose of the spam mail - whether it will help users to but pirated versions of the product or involves a phishing attempt. 'Senior technology consultant' for Sophos, Graham Cluley knows the widespread nature of the spam campaign and that it is a standard 'image spam'.

The spammer has added spots with the help of 'random pixels' that changes the graphic slightly on each relay of the spam message. The e-mail also tells users to type in the name of the website rather than click on the link, a way to appear authentic. Presently 30 percent of all spam, use pictures to make evasion of anti-spam filters easy.

As the festive season arrives, Sophos urge computer users to consider the issue of image as well as conventional spam with greater seriousness. They should embark on a New Year resolution to sharpen wisdom to online threats in 2007. That people are less educated about web and e-mail threats is worrisome. While system administrators and security professionals are aware of 'informative websites' like 'GetSafeOnline' a common user hasn't got any hint.

Related article: Spammers Continue their Campaigns Successfully

» SPAMfighter News - 12/23/2006