According to eSoft researchers, cybercriminals are distributing rogue anti-virus software using Google Groups.

"The attackers are sending e-mails to Google Groups members asking them to update their e-mail settings by following linked instructions," writes Computer Weekly's Warwick Ashford. "The links take users to a fake Google Groups page that infects visitors' PCs with a Trojan that downloads malicious software, including rogue anti-virus program 'Desktop Security 2010.'"

"The rogue software runs a fake PC scan, notifies the user that the PC has been infected and then prompts the user to buy software to remove the threat," the article states. "The malware is designed to trick users into handing over their credit card details and other personal information to purchase the bogus software."

Click here to read the Computer Weekly article.