The Security Mentor

Antivirus firm F_Secure reports that there's a piece of spam going around that is dangerous even with a fully updated copy of Internet Explorer.

The spam will install a "backdoor" program to allow bad guys remote control of your machine if you make three mistakes:

• Opening the spam
  


• Running Microsoft Internet Explorer


• Following the "unsubscribe" link
  Don't ever do that anyway. Spammers lie. They include an "unsubscribe" link so they can identify people who actually read their spam. If you try to unsubscribe they'll put you on a list of suckers.
  This spam's unsubscribe link is even worse. According to F-Secure, the "unsubscribe" link takes you to a page where you have to scroll to see everything. If you use Internet Explorer, that's enough to install software on your computer.

You can protect yourself with normal prudence. Don't follow links from evil sources. It's like letting a scumbag on the street beckon you into an alley. And of course use an alternative web browser.