Malware targets Windows, Apple users via Twitter account

IT security and control firm Sophos is reminding all Twitter users of the importance of ensuring their computer security is up to date, following news that Internet celebrity Guy Kawasaki's Twitter account has been used to spread malware that targets both Windows and Mac users.

Hackers posted a message on Kawasaki's Twitter page, including a link that claimed to offer a free sex video of Leighton Meester, star of hit TV show 'Gossip Girl'. Actually clicking on the link takes users to a series of Web sites, which offer to show a tape of the young Hollywood actress. However, Sophos notes that once users agree to download the video, the Web page will not show the video but will check if you are visiting the site using an Apple Mac or a Windows computer, and serve up the relevant piece of malware.

The fact that this tweet claimed to come from Guy Kawasaki is worrying, since he has almost 140 000 followers, and therefore potential victims. "By offering the chance to watch a free Leighton Meester sex video, the hackers have probably succeeded in tricking some people into downloading their malware,” says Brett Myroff, CEO of regional Sophos distributor, Sophos South Africa. “What's more, many Mac users are still not running anti-malware, and thinking themselves immune to cyber-crime, they might have seen no harm in clicking on the link just to see what happened."

Sophos notes that this is the second time this month that hackers have targeted Mac users with the lure of X-rated videos, and advises all computer users to exercise caution when clicking on links on social networking sites like Twitter.

Sophos has posted a video on YouTube, which journalists and bloggers are free to embed on their own Web sites, demonstrating the exploit of Guy Kawasaki's Twitter account and what happens if you fall into the hacker's trap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpnWncJH-bk

Sophos South Africa NetXactics, trading as Sophos South Africa, is a South African-based company focused on the provision of security solutions. It is the Master Distributor for UK-based Sophos, one of the leaders in the provision of network access control and endpoint, e-mail and Web security and control solutions for the corporate environment. For more information, visit Sophos South Africa at http://www.sophos.co.za. Sophos Sophos enables enterprises worldwide to secure and control their IT infrastructure. Our network access control, endpoint, Web and e-mail solutions simplify security to provide integrated defences against malware, spyware, intrusions, unwanted applications, spam, policy abuse, data leakage and compliance drift. With over 20 years of experience, we protect over 100 million users in nearly 150 countries with our reliably engineered security solutions and services. Recognised for our high level of customer satisfaction, we have an enviable history of industry awards, reviews and certifications. Sophos is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and Oxford, UK.

Editoral contacts Sophos South Africa Brett Myroff (011) 444 4000 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Me Talk Pretty Adriaan du Plessis This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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