Hackers are at it again this holiday season. Internet security company, Malcovery, reports that hackers are spamming email accounts with phony order confirmation messages complete with familiar company logos to trick busy shoppers. Be on the lookout for messages from popular retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, and Costco. The “order confirmation” messages contain links that when clicked will take you to websites infected with malware that powers a Trojan called ASProx. ASProx will take control of your computer and collect email addresses and passwords from your computer, then essentially turn your computer into a “zombie” that relays ASprox spam messages. Trend Mircro, reports that ASProx first appeared in 2007 and is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s spam.
If you receive any “order confirmation” messages and you haven’t placed any orders, delete the messages. If you do open any “order confirmation” messages because you have placed orders and want to confirm, DO NOT click on the links. Instead, go to the retailers’ website by typing in the URL into your browser, and then log into your account and confirm your order safely. While this adds another task to your “to do” list, the extra time you save by using a link could cost you real money in the end.
For more information about cyber law and protecting yourself against hackers during the holiday season, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.
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