Airlines ´used in spamming attack´

Internet users have been warned about hoax emails which claim to be from leading airlines like Virgin Atlantic and American Airways.

According to internet security firm Sophos, the malicious emails are being used to spread Trojans, which can infect computers and steal users´ personal information.

The emails have been received around the world and inform users they have been billed for a flight on their credit card.

An attached zip file called ´purchase invoice and your airline ticket´ contains the malware.

Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "These hackers are relying on the red mist of fury to blind you from common sense."

"Many people will be arranging flights to visit families and loved ones over the Christmas break and may think that one of these spam messages is a genuine error," he added.

Last month, the closure of a US web hosting firm was said to have reduced worldwide spam by 70 per cent.

McColo.com was shut down after an investigation by the Washington Post was passed on to two internet service providers.