Flirting ‘Fembot’ Attacks Lonely Nerds

Security researchers are warning of Fembot, a malware that targets lonesome people on the Internet by pretending to be a flirtatious female seeking to communicate through IM (Instant Messaging) services.

The program, which makes automatic responses, creates an impression for unwitting chatters that they're conversing with a woman. But, actually it takes them onto fake websites that drop a virus, alternatively ask the user to provide his credit card information citing some apparently convincing reason.

Say the researchers, trash traffic was on the rise through the Skype messaging service. Its chat messages that appeared daily greeted the respondent and then introduced the chatter as Olga who wanted to engage in a conversation.

Reportedly, Fembot, which was first detected during 2007, didn't become much visible thereafter. However, indications are that the malware may return in the picture on and around Valentine's Day. Furthermore, Fembot is getting more-and-more sophisticated being capable of replying to questions as also of responding to other entries by the user, convincingly.

State the security specialists that attacks of this kind have escalated considerably at present. The malicious programs have been improved intelligence-wise. Consequently, they are able to customize their discussions on the basis of the information coming in after which they alter their queries or replies befitting their needs.

Specialists also state that software of the Flirtbot-type characteristically takes a user of IM onto a website that asks for credit card information, alternatively thrusts a virus into his system. They add that there're some people who, without opposing, participate in conversations of these types.

During 2007, CyberLover.ru a Russian firm said that it had created software resembling the variety in question. However, CyberLover didn't commit the crimes other than flirting online. The most recent collection of Flirtbots presumably uses similar technology.

Meanwhile according to the specialists, while anti-virus software can be useful to a user who unsuspectingly opens a malevolent web-link, it will not prevent chat sessions of the kind discussed, from originating. Thus to avoid becoming a victim, users mustn't engage in chats that strangers initiate, rather they should use the blocking or notifying features of the chat application.

Related article: Florida’s ‘CyberCrime Awareness Week’ Promotes Activities for Cyber Safety

» SPAMfighter News - 2/18/2010