Virginia Tech massacre may spawn phishing scams

Information security experts warned users today to be on the lookout for legitimate-looking websites exploiting Monday's massacre at Virginia Tech.

The SANS Internet Storm Center reported late Tuesday that at least 28 domain names have been registered that relate to the shootings, including www.vatechshooting.com and www.hokiemassacre.com.

SANS handler George Bakos said many of the sites have yet to contain content, and they may be used for a positive purpose, such as fund-raising. Still, users should be wary of receiving emails that direct them to these newly created sites.

"While some of these are undoubtedly well-intentioned organizations joining in the outpouring of support for the friends and family of the victims, others are likely to be opportunists who want to cash in on the suffering of others," Bakos said. "Be on the lookout for a rash of spam and phishing coming from these leeches."

Cho Seung-Hui, a Virginia Tech student, shot and killed more than 30 of his classmates Monday morning in what is believed to be the most deadly peacetime shooting in U.S. history. He killed himself before police could get to him.