Hurricane Katrina Inspires Malware Attack

LOS ANGELES – Proving that some spammers will stop at nothing, a new malware attack has been spotted that tries to fool users with bogus links to breaking news stories about Hurricane Katrina. Users who click on the fake links find themselves on a site hosting Trojan malware.

According to security firm SophosLabs, the site exploits Internet Explorer vulnerabilities to install any number of Trojans, including Cgab-A, Borobot-P, Borobot-Q, Borodldr-H and Inor-R.

Websense Security Labs reports that the Katrina-inspired email scam also has the capability to download a second malicious file, which also is a Trojan. The second Trojan fools users into receiving a free scan for the Zotob worm, when in fact the program infects the users’ computer and allows hackers to take control of the PC.

The malware site is reportedly hosted in Poland. Typical subject lines contain lures such as: "g7 80 percent of our city underwater" or "q1 Katrina killed as many as 80 people."

Other similar malware attacks taking advantage of worldwide disasters came on the heels of last year’s tsunami, which struck Indonesia, and the recent terrorist train bombings in London.

Internet security firms have put out additional warnings to users in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster to be wary of emails soliciting donations for flood victims. The SANS Internet Storm Center has warned that fake fundraising foundations can easily steal user names and passwords and install malicious software on their PCs.

"The hurricane is a dreadful natural disaster, and it's sickening to think that hackers are prepared to exploit the horrendous situation in an attempt to break into computers for the purposes of spamming, extortion and theft,” Graham Cluley of Sophos said. "Everyone should ensure they have defenses in place to properly protect against the very latest malware attacks."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More