The most awaited tournament for cricket lovers, the ICC World Cup 2011, begins on February 19, 2011. The ICC World Cup is being played in the Indian subcontinent, and the country’s cricket-crazy population is all set to get hold of World Cup tickets in every possible way—all to witness and experience live international cricket in action. Since this is a hugely followed international sporting event across the world, Symantec has anticipated spam attacks and other Internet threats related to the event. As expected, we are observing World Cup spam in the Symantec Probe Network.

The spam message invites users to attend the final game of World Cup 2011 in Mumbai, India. The invite offers multiple executive club facilities such as a private table, a gourmet champagne brunch, and much more for 10 guests. This may sound like an attractive deal; however, it is simply bait for Internet users/cricket fans who are keen to be a part of the World Cup Final and experience the...

Giving gifts for Chinese New Year is a traditional custom, not only for families but also for businesses to show their gratitude to customers. While everyone is ready to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, spammers have already provided many holiday surprises for them.

Chinese New Year is on February 3 this year, about half a month earlier than last couple of years. Spammers have also adjusted their attack schedule for the upcoming festival.

Product and business promotion spam have been observed since last December. Most attacks have customized the ‘From’ line alias and use promotional ‘Subject’ lines related to Chinese New Year.

The following two samples are medical product promotions with a customized ‘From’ line and have a subject line related to the occasion.

From:可输入多个<[Details Removed]>

Subject:过年了！给领导送什么哪？（AD)

Translation:

From: you may enter multiple choices...

Many countries are going through turbulent times due to natural disasters. In fact, emotions do run high when disasters strike—people are moved and understandably want to share in helping affected victims by donating to relief funds. The most recent natural disaster that Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines are grappling with is the flash flooding and the immense loss that it has caused to life and property.

History tells us that when natural disasters such as bush fires, floods, earthquakes and other natural calamities strike, they cause untold repercussions. Rehabilitation, restructuring, and methods to curtail further losses become a formidable challenge. One method used to combat such situations is the appeal for relief funds, donations, and government compensations in cash or kind.

Spammers would never let any such opportunities pass by without preying on them. Don’t be surprised to see your inbox bombarded with heart-wrenching emails requesting you...

Since the close of 2010, Symantec has been observing a recent spam attack that is designed to distribute malware. On the arrival of the new year, Internet users often send best wishes to their friends and families through email or make use of online greeting card services. The spammers have exploited this likelihood, since the email messages in this spam attack appear to contain Happy New Year wishes in the form of an e-card, but in fact are distributing malicious code.

Below are some sample subject lines observed in this spam attack:

Subject:  New Year Ecard Notification
Subject:  Have a funfilled and blasting NewYear!
Subject:  Welcome 2011!
Subject:  Happy 2011 To U!
Subject:  Sparkling wishes on the New Year
Subject:  Happy New Year Wishes!
Subject:  Have a Happy New Year!
Subject: New Year 2011 Ecard Special Delivery

The message text urges the user to...