Unsolicited Email messages have increased by up to 300 per cent in the last 4 months using home PC´s which have been hijacked.
How does it operate?
Once a computer has been infected it automatically contacts the Spam operator’s system for instructions. It links to other hijacked computers to create a network called a BOTNET. This is used to send hundreds of millions of Spam e-mails every day.
The system
The BOTNET operator sends out virus containing a Trojan horse. Email addresses are harvested by roaming the net and taking them from chat rooms, exposed Email addresses, and search sites to help find old friends , sites that you have registered with etc.
TROJAN HORSE installs a small program on the infected computer
The computer then becomes a ZOMBIE controlled remotely . Networks of Zombies can be built up.
ZOMBIES log on to an internet relay chat server, which instructs them to send out Spam mail.
SPAM EMAILS are then sent from the infected computers around the world.
Evicting a Zombie
A computer that slows down or crashes may have been taken over by spammers.
To regain control:
Disconnect your PC from the internet and use an up-to-date security package to scan for infections. Do not necessarily rely on one program.
Try AVG Anti-Spyware on full in-depth scan and take all recommended actions . Lavasoft Ad-Aware is also a free spyware program which will check and identify any problems.
Seek professional help if you cannot resolve it yourself.
Ways to avoid SPAM
Use a security package that includes an e-mail filter
Give your e-mail address only to people you trust
Set up a second e-mail account if you fill in a lot of online forms or registrations
Keep your main address private
Delete unsolicited e-mails -( Full delete rather than into the Deleted items box by selecting the mail.. hold CTRL key and click on the delete icon)
Do not download the full e-mail . Tools – Options – Read make sure the box is NOT ticked to automatically fully download the mail
SMW 30/12/06
