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Beware of 'sick baby emails' internet users cautioned

Internet users have been warned to watch out for emails claiming that children have been kidnapped or risk having their computers infected by a trojan.

A widespread spam campaign that pretends that the recipient's baby has been kidnapped, which is designed to trick users into opening the infected files is doing the rounds, according to online security expert Sophos.

According to Sophos, which described the campaign by cyber crooks as "sick", receiving or reading the messages will not lead to infection.

"However, if users open the attachment they will be infecting their Windows computer, and giving hackers an open door to take control and steal information," said Graham Cluley of Sophos.

"Once a PC is commandeered, criminals can spy, steal or launch attacks against other parts of the net.

"Receiving or reading these widespread emails themselves does not mean you are infected."

According to the company, this is a clear indication that cyber crooks are prepared to sink to any depths in order to infect computers with viruses and recommends having proper virus protection.

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