Alert: Vodafone PXT (picture message)

I received a number of emails with the subject “Vodafone PXT (picture message)”.

The emails is faked and aims to trick a recipient to think that have received a picture message from Vodafone with the following message:

“You have received a picture message from mobile number +6143xxxxxxx
To save this PXT, please save attached file.

You can send a PXT to any PXT capable phone in Australia or New Zealand and any email address anywhere in the world. You can send to more than one person at a time. PXT is as easy as TXT, but much more fun”

The email has an attachment which is a zip file and contains the executable file “PXTpicture-message.jpeg.exe”. As you can see the file is designed to look like a jpeg or image file. I recommend that all users should enable the display of the file extensions for all files so it is more obvious the file is an executable file. When file extensions of known files is disabled people are more easily tricked.

You should immediately delete these emails. According to the site I use to review potential malware, so far only one out of 44 antivirus software packages identify the software indicating this malware has just been released. It usually takes 24-48 hours before antivirus software companies have identified new malware and the update is acquired by the user.

Take care.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
Call 0415 910 703 for computer support.
Supporting residents and businesses in Templestowe, Doncaster, Eltham and the surrounding area.