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Anindita Mishra

Anindita Mishra
Cybermum, McAfee India Like any other parent, Anindita wants to make sure that her children are safe wherever ...

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Consumer : Cyber Security Mum - India :

Watch Out This Christmas-Not For Santa But For Hackers

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 5:00pm by Anindita Mishra
Anindita Mishra

“Tis the season to be jolly, tra la la la…”

 Certainly, this is a merry season, especially for hackers! McAfee had recently released a report titled, “Twelve Scams of Christmas,” which identifies the dozen most dangerous online scams this holiday season. So as you merrily buy gifts, book holidays online, courier presents to loved ones and make online transactions, it is highly plausible that you will be duped by some unscrupulous elements in cyberspace in one or more of the following ways:

 Mobile malware: There is a rise in malware targeted at mobile devices, like Androids

  • Malicious Mobile Applications: Apps such as games are sent for free to steal data from smartphones of those download them
  • Phony Facebook Promotions and Contests: Scammers lure victims through offers of promotions and contests 
  • Scareware, or Fake Antivirus software: Hackers send false messages to PCs stating that their computer is at risk so that they agree to buy phony software
  • Holiday Screensavers: Free offers of e-cards, Santa wallpapers and holiday-themed ringtones often contain malware
  • Mac Malware: As the popularity of Apple products are rising, cybercriminals have designed new malware targeting the Mac users.
  • Holiday Phishing Scams: Cyberscammers use ‘holiday’-themed links and pop-ups to trick recipients into revealing personal information
  • Online Coupon Scams: Phishing sites offer free coupons for purchases that can be used to buy attractive products, thus collecting vital data like credit card details
  • Mystery Shopper Scams: Scammers are reportedly sending messages to victims, offering them the job of mystery shoppers, and in the process collecting their details, like credit card and bank account numbers.
  • Hotel “Wrong Transaction” Malware Emails: Scammers have designed travel-related scams to lure people to click on dangerous emails. The mail states that there was a “wrong transaction” on the recipient’s credit card and requests them to fill out an attached refund form. Once opened, the attachment downloads malware onto their machine.
  • “It” Gift Scams: Gifts that sell like hot cakes are also used as ploys. Scammers create malicious links to advertise these products, but are actually interested in getting credit card details
  • “I’m away from home” Scammers: Robbers are always on the lookout for posts that reveal which houses would be vacant during the holidays

 Should we, Indians, be worried? Definitely yes, given the growth in the number of smartphone users. Also, children love to download apps and freebies like wallpapers. Moreover, most people now check their mail and Facebook accounts on their mobile phones. Traders are also encouraging the use of 4Sq for commercial benefits.

 You can guess the magnitude of the problem from the Idea Engineers report that reveals there will be 30 million mobile internet users in India by 2011-end, rising to 237 million by 2015.

“So better watch out, Better not howl; Better be safe, I’m telling you why…

Cyber scrooges are again on the prowl.”

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