Some hackers try to trick computer users with nude photos. Others have preyed on their interest in the World Cup.
One hacker has combined the two to attack computers around the world.
The Sixem-A worm has infected the computers of soccer fans by tricking them into clicking on attachments that disable their security software and distributes a virus to other e-mail addresses. Various subject lines used to tease fans into opening the infected attachments include "Naked World Cup game set" and "Soccer fans killed five teens."
One of the messages sent by the Sixem worm reads: "Nudists are organizing their own tribute to the world cup by staging their own nude soccer game, though it is not clear how the teams will tell each other apart. Good photos ;)."
"While some recipients might find nude football an attractive prospect," Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at anti-virus software firm Sophos, "this is one worm you don't want to catch sight of, as you'll be playing straight into the hands of hackers."
World Cup-themed viruses caused problems during the 1998 and 2002 World Cup. Hackers are already using the 2010 World Cup as a hook. They tried to gain access to fans' bank accounts by asking them to pay for tickets they've won in a nonexistent lottery.