For some time now you have probably been receiving email spam with subject lines like “You look really stupid in this video” or something to the effect that a long-lost friend is trying to find you. Your first name or part of your email address is often included in the subject line.

These types of targeted attacks are growing rapidly. Security company F-Secure reports that, incredibly, the overall volume of spam more than tripled in one week. It names the Srizbi botnet for the huge increase.

The “look stupid” or “lost friend/classmate” emails try to lure you to a malicious Web site that will infect your computer. Beware of emails that seem to be addressed to you personally. Watch also for emails mentioning your job title or function, or area of expertise. This is simply to make the message more personal, or tailored to you. If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t open it. Be especially wary of clicking on links in such emails.

F-Secure says malware is increasing rapidly, and with the efficiency of a large business. Its malware detections have almost doubled in the last six months, from 500,000 to 900,000, and the situation seems to be getting worse.

Some of these emails may have a link to a Flash video. I have often mentioned that you must keep your security programs up to date. But the same goes for all the applications on your computer, including, for example, Flash Player. To easily update all your software, go to the Secunia Software Inspector here: http://secunia.com/software_inspector/

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online. He has been keeping Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century. Find out how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of protection right here: = > http://MyPCSecuritySite.com

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