Here's a security update to keep in mind as we sort through our e-mail this morning. Cyber criminals have worked quickly to capitalize on curiosity over the deadly storm that moved through Europe to pull off their latest virus-spreading scheme.

Malicious e-mails have been sent out to thousands of people, with the subject "230 Dead As Storm Batters Europe," and with an executable file attachment containing the Small.DAM Trojan. If executed, it can create a back door that hackers can use to take control of your PC.

"Storm Worm" has been pegged as one of the larger Trojan strikes in recent years. The timely e-mail attack began on Thursday, just when the storm was reaching its peak in central Europe, encouraging the likelihood of getting concerned computer users to click the attachment in their mail.

And, as if that weren't enough, the malicious e-mails have also been found with other subject lines, including: "British Muslims Genocide," "Naked teens attack home director," "US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has kicked German Chancellor Angela Merkel," and "A killer at 11, he's free at 21 and kill again!" (Apparently these spammers didn't have time for a grammar check!)

We can't say we haven't seen these kinds of tactics before. But it never hurts to be over cautious, especially as the schemes focus on new ways to con us.