Hackers Spread Maligned Fake Emails Piggybacking on Terror Posed by ISIS

Listenradios.co.uk reported on 13th January, 2015 stating that hackers are playing the fear of public about a terrorist attack in Sydney (Australia) by distributing a fake email claiming to reveal locations where ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) plans to attack in 2015.

Actually, the fake emails contain an attachment which downloads a malicious code which gives access to attackers to enable them to gain and control computers of victims.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) which regulates broadcasting, Internet, telecommunications and radiocommunications in Australia has released a warning about the fake emails with the subject line 'ISIS attacks in Sydney?' after receiving several reports from recipients on Sunday, 11th January, 2015.

The statement released by ACMA reads: "These emails inspire people to open an attached Word or RAR file which includes an article mentioning the locations where ISIS plans to attack in Sydney in 2015."

ACMA also warned that hackers have included the contact details of news website news.com.au in trying to look genuine. It (referring to fake emails) also says that it has also warned Australian Police about new attacks in Sydney.

ACMA advised users not to open the email or the attached file as these might infect their systems.

Users infected with these circulating fake emails are advised to install best quality of security software on their systems or to scan their systems if they open these fake emails by chance which will minimize the attack in future.

The circulation of email has happened at a time when residents of Sydney were shaken due to death of two people following the siege of Martin Place by gunman Man Haron Monis.

The scam also comes at a time when a group sympathizing Islamic State Jihadists has hacked Twitter account of US Central Command and YouTube page posting internal military documents online.

Hackers seized the Twitter feed for Centcom which oversees the US-led air war against Syria and Iraq and wrote "The self-declared Cybercaliphate is already here and we are in your PCs in each military base."

The Pentagon promptly suspended YouTube and Twitter accounts and announced that no classified material was breached.

» SPAMfighter News - 1/20/2015