Harry Potter fans investigating online rumours that the boy wizard dies in the latest book in the series could run the risk of infecting their computers with a virus that an internet security software firm has detected as WORM_HAIRY.
Unfortunate individuals receiving the worm could find a variety of "dark magic" being unleashed on their machines. This could include the display of threatening messages and unsolicited redirection of their internet browsers, says Trend Micro.
The company also recently detected an e-mail promising free premiere tickets to the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie which carried a Trojan, a corrupting program.
The massive interest generated by the new book and film makes fans who are hungry for information easy prey for computer crimes.
Dressing up: Fans go potty over Harry
Fans of Harry Potter, a popular motion picture series based on namesake novels by J.K. Rowling, are to dress up as a character of their choice from the series for a chance to win one of 40 free tickets for the Dubai screening of the latest edition. They are invited to Ibn Battuta Mall today (Thursday), between 4pm and 7pm, where Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix opens.
* Do you have Harry Pottermania? Vote in our poll.
Looking ahead: 2009, what to expect>
