Fake PDF reader warning issued by Symantec

Internet security firm Symantec has issued a warning to businesses over a new distribution method for malware which is being adopted by cybercriminals.

According to Symantec, there is a new scam doing the rounds on the internet which encourages web users to download a fake PDF reader update.

The firm said that there are a large number of scam emails circulating, which have the underlying intention of harvesting personal data - including credit card details.

Malware data analyst at the firm Mathew Nisbet said: "The URL claims to be a secure sign-up, though it uses no encryption whatsoever.

"The section to the left explains that, once a member, the recipient is entitled to 'free' software."

"Any unsolicited email received from an unknown source should be treated as highly suspicious, especially one that requires visiting an external page by clicking a link," he added.

According to security software developer Sunbelt, Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.gen - aka Conficker - was the most prolific malware distributed on the internet in June.

Posted by Steven Gaskill