Computer Support Blog

A new Internet security attack spread through email Thursday, though it came in somewhat old packaging.

The attack, dubbed “Here you have” after the subject line of the phishing attack emails, was reminiscent of attacks from 2000 and 2001.  Those attacks, the ILoveYou and Anna Kournikova worms, were the last significant mass email attacks, until now.  The Kournikova worm even used the same “Here you have” subject line.

This particular Internet security attack comes in the form of an email, which often seems to be sent from someone the user knows.  The attack itself is located in the body of the email, which usually reads as something like “Hello… this is the document I told you about, you can find it here.”  When users click on the link, their system is then infected.

The attack focuses on a user’s email address book, using the list of contacts to spread by spamming itself out to everyone on the list.  The result is a rapidly spreading attack and congested email servers.

ABC News reported that Disney, Comcast, and Proctor and Gamble were among those hit by the attack.  There were reports of Homeland Security being victimized as well, but the government has refuted those reports.

As of Friday morning, it appeared that the attack had been contained and that the malicious email would have difficulty spreading any further.

Nonetheless, the resurgence of a dormant form of Internet security attack, using a repeated subject line, does make one simple fact abundantly clear: many users still do not follow best practices when it comes to Internet safety.

Despite years worth of warnings, many users – including those behind the protections of significant corporations – were taken in by one of the simplest forms of attack.

This level of vulnerability is sure to be a red flag to hackers and cyber criminals that even simplistic Internet security attacks can produce significant results.

To protect yourself, follow a few basic tips:

• Never click on links in emails from someone you don’t know.
• Verify the authenticity of a link sent to you by a friend or business before you click.
• Keep all antivirus and Internet security programs updated and running.
• Stay informed as to news of Internet security or email attacks.

Following a few simple tips can go a long way toward making the job of hackers that much more difficult, and keeping you and your computer safe.

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315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Filed under: Computer Support, Internet Security, Malware, phishing, scams, security, tips, virus