Greater Sudbury Police Service is warning residents of a widespread malware attack received via email and posing as a secure message.

The emails, which have the subject line “You have received a secure message,” attempt to trick recipients into opening an attached ZIP file. However, contained inside the ZIP file — securedoc.zip — is a Trojan horse that can hijack your computer, making it part of a criminal ‘botnet,’ said police.

A ‘botnet’ is a collection of Internet-connected computers whose security has been breached and is now controlled by a third party.

Over the past few years, criminals have used different versions of this malware to steal money from online bank accounts, login details for social networking sites, such as Facebook, and email information.

Police remind the public to ensure that anti-spam and anti-virus programs are updated, and always think carefully before opening an unsolicited email attachment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 222-TIPS, online at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com or by texting TIPSUD and the information to CRIMES (274637).