Olympic hack attacks begin

The opening ceremony might not take place until tomorrow but cybercriminals have started early with Olympic-themed attacks.

Security researchers at MessageLabs have warned of targeted malware attacks in emails that appear to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The emails contain PDF files that once opened start the download of an executable file from the web.

The file then installs itself on the recipient's PC, where it can access personal data and send it to the web without the owner's knowledge.

Rival firm Trend Micro has also warned of the inevitable surge of malware that the Olympics will bring.

"The Olympics is the most prestigious event of its kind and commands a worldwide audience – both at the stadium in Beijing and online," said Rik Ferguson of Trend Micro.

"We are fully anticipating malicious social-engineering techniques to exploit people's interest in this event, luring unsuspecting users into clicking on compromised websites and into handing over sensitive personal information," he continued.

www.messagelabs.com
www.trendmicro.com