No not the popular music group but cyber criminals are targeting internet users with a new gift certificate scam, according to security experts. Targets receive an email that claims to be from Apple's iTunes store but the file attached contains malware that may allow hackers to gain access to the recipient's computer.
Eleven –security blog says the attack appears to have been timed to coincide with Black Friday, one of the US's busiest shopping day now viewed by many retailers as the start of the Christmas shopping season. They mark the day with one-off discounts and other special offers which offer internet scammers a prime market as people may be expecting discount e vouchers at this time.
Users are told they have been sent $50/£32 of iTunes store credit and need to open an attached file to find out their certificate code. The file contains a malware program which may facilitate access to Windows computers or capture passwords and other data.
The malware can be removed with good anti-spyware tools but best not to go there.
Phishing in Facebook
Security adviser Sophos are also warning of threat linked to Facebook. Users may receive an email claiming that they have violated policy regulations by annoying or insulting other members. This email contains a link which takes users to a web page that will deliver a fake "Facebook Account Disabled" form.
The firm says that members are then asked to fill in a series of forms requesting their login details, country of residence and the first six digits of their credit card number. If the users refuse they are told their account will be blocked automatically. If you enter the information you will be putting this information in the hands of the scammers.
Ask yourself would you give Facebook your credit card details anyway , No then don’t now! Facebook will not ask youfor this information.
OK not everyone will fall for this but still be careful - Sophos have not said this as far as I know ( and they know far more than this poor chimp) but your caring sharing Cork Monkey would be surprised if this webpage did not contain one or two more dangerous links to catch those to clever to input their credit card details – links to key-logging software perhaps.
Not on Facebook –no worries Cork Monkey knows other sites are targeted – just be safe out there Christmas will be expensive enough this year without giving your hard – earned to these guys.
CM
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