Sixem-A is not the first Internet pest to exploit the general soccer euphoria. In May, the German Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology (BSI) in Bonn warned of e-mail messages claiming to be related to the World Cup but which in fact contained hidden Trojans.

The general excitement about the ongoing World Cup is increasingly being exploited by the programmers of Internet viruses.
Sophos, an I.T. security firm, is warning of e-mail messages currently making the rounds that promise naked photos of soccer players and fans. The file in the e-mail attachment actually contains the Sixem-A worm, reports the company.

Opening the file allows the virus to install itself on the recipient's computer, where it then attempts to deactivate security software and to automatically send itself to all stored e-mail addresses.

Infected e-mail messages often contain the subject line Naked World Cup Game or Crazy soccer fans. Security experts recommend cautious handling of any electronic mail that fits this description.

Sixem-A is not the first Internet pest to exploit the general soccer euphoria. In May, the German Federal Agency for Security in Information Technology (BSI) in Bonn warned of e-mail messages claiming to be related to the World Cup but which in fact contained hidden Trojans.

If the spy software manages to install itself onto the computer, it can spy on sensitive online banking data, for example, or allow the computer to be controlled remotely for use in spam attacks.

The BSI advises users to be skeptical of e-mail messages from unknown senders and not to neglect the fundamentals of Internet security, even during the World Cup. Major events are a frequent tool for hackers to spread their viruses.

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