Webnotes by: Theresa Payton, Fortalice LLC. Content also featured on WBTV's "Protecting Your Cyberturf" segment featuring Theresa Payton and Kristen Miranda.
Those cybercriminals are at it again. We’re entering one of the busiest times of year for sending and receiving packages. We’ve told you before that criminals go where the action is and we’re on your side watching for their next move. And, looks like they have already started starting first with DHL delivery messages.
We’re all multi tasking these days and we’re busy. We’re juggling work, after work activities, sending and shipping packages for work and for our personal lives. Cybercriminals are counting on that in their latest spam scam. Cyber expert, Theresa Payton, talks about this latest spam scam and what types of headaches it’s already creating for those that accidentally clicked on the link.
HOW IT WORKS:
1. The emails appear to be from DHL Express
Subject lines vary but one picked up by Sophos Labs was "Processing complete successfully"
2. PDF.ZIP file: in an effort to “help” you, they send you the shipping information in the PDF.ZIP file.
3. Multi taskers beware! If you opened the file, a malware installs itself and infects your computer
Keep in mind that DHL is not the only shipping service that cybercriminals use in their spam scams. They also target the USPS, UPS, FedEx. No shipping service is immune!
TIP:
Never click on links or attachments in shipping notices, even if you did ship a package. Go directly to the web site or call if you want to check on the status.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU WERE THE VICTIM OF A SPAM SCAM:
1. For Microsoft windows users, go to this website to run their free malware removal tools:
2. For Apple users, you can go to www.Apple.com to seek support or you can access a free tool at http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
3. Watch your computer for warning signs - if your computer displays any of these AFTER you run the tools, seek professional technical assistance:
- hard drive sounds like it is being accessed but you are not performing an activity
- several sudden freezes or screen lock ups for no reason
- you suddenly start spamming your friends with strange emails
- computer is slow and sluggish
WORD OF THE WEEK:
HONEYNET.ORG this is a non profit organization that tracks attackers and the attack points around the globe. They show a real time map of attacks at http://www.honeynet.org/node/960 . A group of volunteers helps Honeynet.org track and investigate the latest attacks. The teams then develop open source security tools to help fight cybercrime!
RESOURCES:
To see a picture of global attacks tracked by Honeynet.org go to: http://www.honeynet.org/node/960
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU WERE THE VICTIM OF A SPAM SCAM:
1. For Microsoft windows users, go to this website to run their free malware removal tools:
2. For Apple users, you can go to www.Apple.com to seek support or you can access a free tool at http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
3. Some other free malware removal tools include:
Symantec/Norton: http://www.symantec.com/security_response/malware.jsp
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