Computer security company Symantec is warning computer users that whereas the spammers were first to exploit public concerns about the possible swine flu pandemic, now the cyber criminals behind malware infestations are taking their turn.

An email with a PDF attachment called swine influenza frequently asked questions.pdf is currently doing the rounds and should not be opened.

It is a real PDF file and when opened, it will have a couple of swine flu related headings and a list of questions and answers. But if you get to the stage of reading it, then you will have already been infected.

It cynically plays on people’s fears to learn more about the disease and it’s implications for various countries.

Symantec say the good news is that if you are running up-to-date anti-virus software, it will have been picked up before it does any damage. The company technicians say the malicious PDF file is known as bloodhound.exploit6 and the dropped malicious file contained in the PDF as InfoStealer.

Adobe already have a patch for the vulnerability in their application and Symantec recommend that it is downloaded as soon as possible. Check the Adobe site for more information.

Guest Article by Neil Camp