Hurricane Irene becomes subject of phishing scam
By Joe Elvin
02/09/2011
American homeland security officials have released a warning about Hurricane Irene-related emails.
Over the last couple of days, the hurricane has become the subject of a number of spear-phishing emails and is starting to cause as much destruction in cyberspace as it was in the physical world.
Those who are convinced to download the attachments or click the links contained in the emails are likely to end up inadvertently downloading malicious software onto their computer networks.
This is the latest in the long line of phishing attacks related to global news events. Many internet users feel the best way to protect against such threats is by investing in quality network management software for their computer systems.
A statement by the DHS National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Centre cited by computerworld.com said: "Those emails may appear to originate from a reputable source, with the email subject closely aligned to the event and usually of interest to the recipient.
"Network administrators and general users should be aware of these attempts and avoid opening messages with attachments and/or subject lines related to physcial events."
According to The Sacramento Bee, the DHS has asked to be alerted by email if anyone receives a suspicious-looking message about the hurricane in their inbox.
