Hackers Disguise Trojan as Win7 Compatibility Checker

Be on the lookout for a rogue program masquerading as a piece of software that helps users determine whether or not PCs are compatible with Windows 7, warns security firm BitDefender.

"This actually works because of the interest in Windows 7," said Catalin Cosoi, the head of BitDefender's Online Threats Lab.

BitDefender first discovered the threat on Sunday. At this point, the Trojan is not yet widespread, though BitDefender notes it has been receiving reports of about three installs per hour from its users in the US, Infoworld reports. Like many viruses, this one requires proactive steps on the part of the user, which the malware writers have been able to elicit with the following email:

"Find out if your PC can run Windows 7," the emails read. "This software scans your PC for potential issues with your hardware, devices, and installed programs, and recommends what to do before you upgrade."

Once installed, hackers have free reign over your system, Cosoi warns.