News on U.S. government agencies, U.S. politics, companies doing business with U.S. federal government. Read U.S. national and local news. This site is not affiliated with United States Government.
(USGovernment-News.Com, June 25, 2015 ) Manchester, The UK (Clear Law Solicitors) 3 June 2015 -- An email, masqueraded as if it comes from the Microsoft Account Team, has been sent out to tens of thousands of Hotmail and Live.com users over the weekend. The message is disguised as a security alert to Microsoft users, informing them about a 'system re-activation' process that is taking place.
'Helpful' hackers have provided a link in this email, gently urging users to click on it. The link is deceiving because it looks like a URL that users are already familiar with. However, hovering with the mouse over the link will show that it actually goes to a non-sanctioned WordPress blog which may have been compromised by hackers.
Clear Law, a national UK law firm, warns users to be on the alert. Spear phishing scams have become extremely widespread. Hackers use the new tactic, which unlike traditional spamming emails, is personally targeted and persistent.
This cyber attack attempt has been launched following the recent hacking of the French International broadcaster TV5Monde, in the beginning of April 2015. The threat of spear phishing scams is rapidly growing as 91% of cyber attacks begin with such emails, shows a research conducted by security software firm Trend Micro.
Cyber crimes can be extremely complicated, long-term processes, involving sequences of separate, carefully planned attacks. Most of the spear phishing emails attempt to trick users into clicking on links or downloading misleading file attachments. Others pretend to be threats of account closures, urging users to verify their login credentials.
As a result, users' computers are being infected by viruses, spywares or malwares that steal their email credentials and other details. These little buddies might not get spotted by users for a pretty long time. However these viruses may bring along their more complex brothers.
These simple viruses aggregate information to underpin even more nefarious attacks involving reputation and financials.
About Clear Law Solicitors: Clear Law specialises in many types of personal injuries, various accident claims, medical negligence, flight delays, housing disrepair and financial mis-selling. The law firm prides itself with its Plain English Accreditation and 'No Win, No Fee' agreement. Clear Law was established in 2005, and currently operates from its headquarters in Manchester with over 70 employees.
We are pleased to offer you this exciting, new, and entirely free professional resource. Visit our Free Industry resource center today to browse our selection of 600+ complimentary Industry magazines, white papers, webinars, podcasts, and more. Get popular titles including:
