FNWA Alerts Residents about Trojan-laced Scam E-mails

Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association is alerting local residents to look out for e-mails apparently sent from Sky ID and using the subject line "Your Sky ID Password," as reported by Flintshirechronicle on July 17, 2009.

Security researchers have said that the e-mail prompts recipients to follow a given web-link and provide their password; however, on clicking the web-link, a hidden Trojan unleashes itself that could harm users' PCs.

Hence, the experts advise residents that if this type of e-mail comes into their mailboxes, then they must inform Sky without opening the link.

One important tip that could help netizens to distinguish a legitimate and authentic e-mail from a fake e-mail is that a legitimate electronic mail is always solicited. In other words, it refers the recipient by his name, sometimes using the first name at others the surname, whereas a fraudulent e-mail is mainly unsolicited that refers the recipient commonly like "Dear Customer." The reason behind this is that phishers who send the e-mails don't know the names of their targets.

Therefore, an organization like Sky addresses recipients personally if it is e-mailing them a message as the organization has subscribers' details.

Another key indication making a fraudulent (phishing) e-mail stand out is that lawful organizations as in the case of Sky never requests for user information such as password via e-mail. In case, any other sensitive information is required, then such organizations always get in touch with users physically.

In general, security specialists suggest that users should never follow links via e-mails rather copy and paste the URL into their browser to access the website so that there are less chances of virus or other malware getting downloaded on computers receiving the virus-borne e-mails.

Users are recommended that they should deploy security software like antivirus program. The program should be up-to-date to scan possible malicious codes as in the current case.

Indeed, Flintshire residents have been encountering numerous scams online. On July 16, 2009, the Flintshire Neighbourhood appealed residents to be cautious of fraudulent e-mails that were related to banking frauds.

Related article: Fan Check in Facebook Can Lead to Virus Installation

» SPAMfighter News - 8/7/2009