Jackson virus and spam spreads on Internet

SPAM ALERT: Researchers warned of increasing levels of viruses, spam using MJ's name.

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San Francisco: Security researchers warned on Thursday of the increasing levels of viruses and spam using Michael Jackson's name to snare unsuspecting users.

One e-mail carries the subject line "Remembering Michael Jackson" was circulating with a worm in tow. The e-mail has a zip file attached that infects victims if downloaded.

"The e-mail, which claims to come from sarah@michaeljackson.com, says that the attached ZIP file contains secret songs and photos of Michael Jackson," Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, wrote on a blog.

"However, the reality is that opening the attachment exposes you to infection - and if your computer is hit you will be spreading the worm onto other Internet users."

Cluley said that the malware also spreads via USB memory sticks.

Another e-mail promises an exclusive look at a YouTube video of the "last work of Michael Jackson," but instead installs a malicious program that steals passwords.