If only they'd put this much effort into making an honest living...
Instead, it seems like every scam artist with a computer is working awfully hard at trying to make an easy buck.
The latest big-time scam hasn't impacted STCU or its members. But we think it's important that you know about it, just in case the crooks behind it cast a broader net. And there are lessons to be learned, even if STCU members are never targeted.
The new spam campaign uses official-looking e-mails supposedly from a well-known national bank. Give these lowlifes some credit: The message is very well-done, and includes the bank's logo and contact information, along with a warning that no one reply to the e-mail itself because it's not secure -- as though they're worried about your financial safety. So helpful!
The message informs bank customers that the digital certificate for their accounts have expired, and they need to click on a link to update the information.
If customers fall for the trick, their computers are infected with the Waledac worm. Sounds nasty, doesn't it? Like those gruesome, mind-controlling eels that slithered into people's ears in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
The Waledac worm is a form of malware (short for "malicious software") that can harvest password information for the scam artists, and will also receive commands from a remote server. It can spread from your computer to others, via your e-mail account.
Attacks using the worm are on the increase, and a related virus was used to shut down the court system in Houston, reports SC, a magazine for security professionals.
How STCU uses digital certificates for your online security.
More on avoiding "phishing" e-mail and text messages.
Tips for financial security.
