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Spammers Use Random '@' Tags to Spread Malware on Twitter

by Caleb Johnson on June 16, 2010 at 08:00 AM

Random @ tweets embedded with malware plague Twitter.

Previously, spammers have tried to spread malware by enticing Twitter users with promises of beautiful women and breaking news. Now, according to a report from Trend Micro, they're taking a different approach: using vague, random "@" replies to flood users with malware. Blogger Rik Ferguson was tagged Tuesday morning in a tweet embedded with a shortened URL. After some research, Ferguson discovered that the malicious link directed users to a site hosting some dangerous JavaScript. Once executed, the JavaScript floods the PC with malicious PDFs and executable files that download yet more malware by connecting to other locations.

Right now, this spam appears to be totally random. That makes it easier to avoid falling for it, since there's no reason to click a strange link -- even if you're tagged in it -- when it's tweeted by a vague and unfamiliar source. However, if it's too late, immediately notify Twitter that your account has been compromised, and change all your passwords and log-in information. [From: Trend Micro, via: Tech Crunch]

Tags: at reply, AtReply, hack, malware, microblogging, safety, security, SocialNetworking, spam, top, twitter, web

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