Gmail users need to be on high alert after the discovery of a worrying new attack that could leave PCs riddled with vicious malware.

Gmail warning delete emails now

Gmail warning delete these emails now (Image: GETTY)

There’s a fresh Gmail alert from cyber security experts and ignoring it could leave your PC full of dangerous spyware that is capable of pinching personal data. The new threat, which was spotted by the team at Check Point, uses a clever new tactic in a bid to get unsuspecting users to install the nasty Rhadamanthys Stealer bug onto PCs.

If that wasn’t scary enough, Check Point also says this is a "large-scale" attack which means a vast number of people could be in the firing line.

So how does this Rhadamanthys Stealer attack work and how can you make sure you stay safe?

Firstly, the cyber crooks set about making fake Gmail accounts. They then begin distributing authentic-looking emails that impersonate legitimate companies.

These emails suggest that the recipient has violated copyright on their personal social media accounts with an urgent removal of the content then requested.

Full instructions are embedded within the Gmail message along with being told to download a file that stops further action being taken.

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If tricked, this download instantly triggers an infection and installs the latest version of the Rhadamanthys stealer which can then set about spying on PCs and pinching highly personal data.

"Check Point Research recently identified a large-scale phishing campaign using a new version of the infamous Rhadamanthys Stealer, a sophisticated malware designed to extract data from infected machines," the Check Point team confirmed.

"The attackers masquerade as various legitimate companies, alleging that victims have committed copyright infringements on their personal Facebook pages. Using falsified Gmail accounts sending emails from these well-known companies, the email addresses and language are customized per each target to inform the victim of their supposed copywriting violation."

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It appears that the threat has targeted users across the globe with messages sent to people in Europe, Asia and the USA.

If your inbox is flooded with messages claiming you have been infringing copyright laws beware before taking action and don't download any attachments onto your PC as you could get a nasty surprise installed.