Jackson virus and spam online

One e-mail carries the subject line "Remembering Michael Jackson" was circulating with a worm in tow. The e-mail has a zip file attached that infects victims if downloaded.

Security researchers warned of the increasing levels of viruses and spam using Jackson's name to snare unsuspecting users.

One e-mail carries the subject line 'Remembering Michael Jackson' was circulating with a worm in tow. The e-mail has a zip file attached that infects victims if downloaded.

'The e-mail says that the attached ZIP file contains secret songs and photos of Michael Jackson,' Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, wrote on a blog. 'However, the reality is that opening the attachment exposes you to infection - and if your computer is hit you will be spreading the worm onto other Internet users.'

Cluley said that the malware also spreads via USB memory sticks. Another e-mail promises an exclusive look at a YouTube video of the 'last work of Michael Jackson,' but instead installs a malicious program that steals passwords.