…actually it is a bit *awww*-inducing. Unfortunately, this is another ploy of the NUWAR/Storm gang to trick unsuspecting (and presumably sappy, cutesy, or just plain cat-loving) users into downloading a malicious code onto their systems.

TrendLabs has recently detected new NUWAR samples being spammed in email messages purporting (again) to be eCards. The above image is a screenshot of the Web page where the supposed eCard can be downloaded. Once the link is clicked, though, a copy of the malware (usually named SuperLaugh.exe) is downloaded. Trend Micro already detects the said samples as WORM_NUWAR.ARC.

Users are once again advised to avoid clicking on links that come from unexpected users. This kitty may be cute, but remember, curiosity could kill it (and your computer).

“…In the discharge of my duty, I stumbled on this domiciliary account that has remained dormant for three years now with eight million, five hundred thousand United States dollars ($8.5M) in it…. That my purpose of contacting you is because the deceased has the same name with you…” is just a pinch of lots of Nigerian spam emails that caught the attention of so many around the globe. These organized criminals’ main tactic is to send out personal mails to random people, posing as lawyers, to help them obtain a huge amount of money. Getting a million in a snap one sunny morning would surely lure a recipient of the said email. However, getting it is not free since it demands a certain fee. Once the unsuspecting mail recipient gives in, s/he will be sent a cheque in exchange for the fee. Unfortunately, the supposedly good fortune cheque is a fake.

A BBC News item revealed that such scams are thought to cost the UK up to GBP3.5 billion every year. In an investigation done in a single month, 4,500 fraudulent documents were confiscated and thousands of bank accounts were also used in the frauds. Fake cheques worth around $16.2m have also been siezed.

Since the use of emotional and touching words in the said emails have fooled many vulnerable and elderly people, the Nigerians might have thought that cyber crimes are undetectable. It is good to know that the UK authorities have proved otherwise.