For the fourth scam of Christmas, the criminals gave to me… fake antivirus pop-ups scaring my family! I have had this scam hit my family twice. The last time, my husband accidentally clicked on what looked like a message that the computer had a virus and Bam! We got the scary blue screen.
These scams even target Mac users, so if you have any kind of computer, you need to keep a watchful eye out for this scam.
Scareware now makes up 25% of all malware. This scam has been used for a few years on PC users. A user is surfing the web when they get a pop-up message that says something like “you may have a virus”. You have no choice but to click on the pop-up when mayhem erupts! … in actuality, you just allowed a malicious program to download and run on your computer.
In the Mac version, Cyberscammers are placing links to fake antivirus software in online search results. They advertise programs with names like “Mac Defender,” “Mac Security” or “Mac Protector,” offering to safeguard your computer from online threats. But once you click on the link, it downloads malicious software onto your machine.
In the background, the program may open up pop-up windows, asking you to upgrade the software for a fee to remove non-existent threats. If you agree to “upgrade,” the cybercrooks get your money—often $50—and you get nothing in return. Or, it may open up pornography, or other undesirable websites.
To avoid this scam, follow these tips:
- Always have a legitimate copy of a comprehensive security software installed on your device
- Make sure that software is updated automatically
- Exercise caution when you click on links. Using software such as SiteAdvisor (www.siteadvisor.com) can help because it distinguishes between safe and risky websites
- ALWAYS exercise caution while clicking links in emails that look suspicious, even If they appear to come from a known contact
- Hover your mouse over links without clicking and look in lower left hand corner of the window to see the actual link address – avoid suspicious web addresses that contain misspelled words
- Hit alt + F4 to close the pop ups.
- If you think you clicked on a bad link, update your security software and run a scan.
For more information about this type of scam, see this post.
Stay tuned for the next Scam of Christmas and as always, stay safe out there!
By: Tracy Mooney
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Secure Mobile Shopping This Holiday Season
Mobile shopping isn’t something I ever thought I’d do. I mean, come on! Why in the world would I use a tiny screen to make big purchases that often require lots of research? But I have found that as I become more dependant on my mobile phone whenever I’m away from my home/office wireless connection, I also accomplish more menial tasks while waiting at a doctor’s office or airport, for example. Tools like the eBay app, Craigslist Pro, and savvy online retailers like Amazon have made mobile shopping simple and easy.
I’m not alone. The National Cyber Security Alliance and McAfee released a study showing that In the last six months, 50% of Americans have used smartphones to research potential purchases, 27% have used them to shop, 12% have used them to shop at auction websites, specifically, and 18% have used their phones to make online payments.
While using a PC to shop online has risks, so does mobile shopping. Caution must be taken. Of those polled, 72% admit to having no security software at all. McAfee researchers found that new examples of mobile malware increased 46% from 2009 to 2010, and within the next one to two years, mobile malware is expected to affect more than one in 20 devices.
To stay safe while mobile shopping this holiday season:
1. Keep security software current. The latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
2. Automate software updates. Many software programs can update automatically to defend against known risks. If this is an available option, be sure to turn it on.
3. Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. In addition to computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also require virus and malware protection.
4. Plug USB drives and other external devices into your computer and scan them with your security software.
5. Know the seller before making a purchase. If a seller is unfamiliar, do research to see how they have been rated and reviewed before making your first purchase. This is a good idea even if you are a return customer, as reputations can change.
By: Robert Siciliano
I’m not alone. The National Cyber Security Alliance and McAfee released a study showing that In the last six months, 50% of Americans have used smartphones to research potential purchases, 27% have used them to shop, 12% have used them to shop at auction websites, specifically, and 18% have used their phones to make online payments.
While using a PC to shop online has risks, so does mobile shopping. Caution must be taken. Of those polled, 72% admit to having no security software at all. McAfee researchers found that new examples of mobile malware increased 46% from 2009 to 2010, and within the next one to two years, mobile malware is expected to affect more than one in 20 devices.
To stay safe while mobile shopping this holiday season:
1. Keep security software current. The latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
2. Automate software updates. Many software programs can update automatically to defend against known risks. If this is an available option, be sure to turn it on.
3. Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. In addition to computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also require virus and malware protection.
4. Plug USB drives and other external devices into your computer and scan them with your security software.
5. Know the seller before making a purchase. If a seller is unfamiliar, do research to see how they have been rated and reviewed before making your first purchase. This is a good idea even if you are a return customer, as reputations can change.
By: Robert Siciliano
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