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Hackers target consumers with fake virus-infected news

Internet users eager to find out the latest happenings in the Middle East have been warned of the risk of being infected by viruses.

Online security expert Sophos has revealed that emails declaring the third world war has begun in the Middle East with a US attack on Iran are in circulation via email forwards.

However, the emails come loaded with malicious codes, which pose a grave risk to internet users who attempt to watch videos attached to them.

Sophos's security consultant, Graham Cluley, said: "Receiving or reading the emails themselves does not mean you are infected, but visiting the link contained in them, or trying to watch the video, is definitely a bad idea.

"Hackers are taking advantage of the fact that many people today get their fix for breaking news via the internet. People, especially those with loved ones in the Middle East, may rush to watch the video without engaging their common sense."

The hackers behind the ruse are the same ones responsible for targeting users during the fourth of July celebrations, says Sophos.

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