Malicious spam emails about airline ticketing may lead to computer infection - SSO-AD2008-014

15 October 2008

Software and platforms affected

The following operating system platforms:

Windows (any version)

What is the problem?

Various spam emails are circulating which are designed to infect your computer with a program that could steal your passwords and other personal information (identity theft).

The subject lines of the email include, but are not limited to:

Your Online Flight Ticket N 62441 (actual numbers vary)

The from lines of the email include, but are not limited to:

Virgin America
Spirit Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
United Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Continental Airlines

The airline ticket spam email claims that your credit card has been debited to cover the airline ticket.

The emails all contain a zip file attachment which should not be opened.

What we recommend you do

If you receive an email similar to the above emails, do not open the attachment to the email. Delete the email straight away.

If you have already clicked on the attachment, it is quite possible your computer may now be infected.  It is recommended you seek professional assistance in helping detect and remove the malware.

Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and keep it updated.

Disclaimer

This Advisory has been prepared by AusCERT for the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

The information is intended for used by home users and small to medium sized businesses and is general information only and not intended as advice and was accurate and up to date at the time of publishing. The material and information in this Advisory is not adapted to any particular person's circumstances and therefore cannot be relied upon to be of assistance in any particular case. In any important matter, you should seek professional advice relevant to your own circumstances.

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