Emails with subject lines relating to Independence Day and containing links in the form of an IP address have been circulating, with promises of a firework display if you click on the link.

However, the link leads to a Storm domain which will infect your PC and turn it into a 'bot', churning out spam email without your knowledge.

"Everyone loves fireworks, but you're not going to be feeling in the mood for celebrations if this malware infects your PC, turning it into a part of a botnet for criminals to commit identity theft and launch spam and malware campaigns," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.

Cluley said that it was not just those in the US that were at risk.

"Americans are not the only ones at risk as they open their email this morning - people around the world with US-based friends may be tempted to follow the link and watch the video," he said.

www.sophos.com

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