ZeuS Trojan Malware Alert!

Krebs on Security, a security news and investigation service, has reported that criminals have launched a major e-mail campaign to deploy the malicious malware ZeuS Trojan via spam messages. The messages are disguised as fraud alerts from the Internal Revenue Service, Twitter account hijack warnings, and salacious Youtube.com videos. The fake IRS e-mails contain the subject line "Notice of Underreported Income" and encourage the recipient to click a link to review their tax statement. All of the latest e-mails use a variety of URL shortening services.

Phishing Security Alert!

Banks and credit unions around the country are reporting a new string of "Phishing attacks". Phishing involves a fraudulent email or text message that appears to be from a reputable company. Typically, the e-mail will warn you of a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. The e-mail will then encourage you to click on a button to go to the institution's web site, which then attempts to install a virus or spyware on your computer.

Types of Attacks - TEXTS
In one phishing attack, victims are receiving fraudulent text messages claiming that that their debit card was blocked and instructing them to call an 800 number to reactivate the card. If the victim calls the 800 number, they are asked for their card number and pin number.

Types of Attacks - EMAIL
In another phishing attack, an email is made to look like it is from the FDIC, telling the recipient that their bank has failed, and instructing the recipient to click on a link to "check their deposit insurance coverage. The link tries to download spyware to the victim's computers. The FDIC does not issue unsolicited e-mails to consumers. Financial institutions and consumers should NOT follow the link in the fraudulent e-mail.

And, in a third phishing scam, the e-mail appears to be from NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association telling the recipient that there is a problem with an ACH transaction they have originated. The e-mail includes a link which redirects the individual to a fake web page that contains a virus or spyware. NACHA does not attempt to contact individual bank customers or consumers.

For more information on Phishing, and how you can protect your personal and financial data, click here . (Takes them to the online tutorial about fraud in our online education center.)


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