Source: telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet-security/10483697/12-Scams-of-Christmas-revealed-by-McAfee.html
'12 Scams of Christmas' revealed by McAfee
Online security firm McAfee has warned that Black Friday and Cyber Monday present a huge opportunity for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of consumers with clever festive-themed scams.
With more and more Britons using smartphones and tablets for Christmas shopping, cybercriminals are targeting mobile users with scams designed to to steal personal information, earn fast cash, and spread malicious software.
“Understanding the mindsets of cyber crooks and being aware of how they try to take advantage of consumers can help ensure that we use our devices the way they were intended – to enhance our lives, not jeopardise them,” said Samantha Swift, online security expert at McAfee.
Here are McAfee's 12 scams of Christmas 2013:
1) Not-so-merry mobile apps – Official-looking software for Christmas shopping, including those that feature celebrity or company endorsements, could be malicious, designed to steal or send out your personal data. A recent report from McAfee identified a new family of mobile malware that allows a cybercriminal to get around the digital signature required to validate apps on Android devices.
2) Holiday mobile SMS scams – A widespread piece of malicious code known as FakeInstaller tricks Android users into thinking it is a legitimate installer for an application and then quickly takes advantage of the unrestricted access to smartphones, sending SMS messages to premium rate numbers without the user’s consent. No doubt Android handsets will be popular this Christmas, so consumers should ensure their gift also comes with appropriate security software.
The Tyler Group Global Expat Connections Related Article:
thetylergroup.org/the-tyler-group-barcelona-business-services/
'12 Scams of Christmas' revealed by McAfee
Online security firm McAfee has warned that Black Friday and Cyber Monday present a huge opportunity for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of consumers with clever festive-themed scams.
With more and more Britons using smartphones and tablets for Christmas shopping, cybercriminals are targeting mobile users with scams designed to to steal personal information, earn fast cash, and spread malicious software.
“Understanding the mindsets of cyber crooks and being aware of how they try to take advantage of consumers can help ensure that we use our devices the way they were intended – to enhance our lives, not jeopardise them,” said Samantha Swift, online security expert at McAfee.
Here are McAfee's 12 scams of Christmas 2013:
1) Not-so-merry mobile apps – Official-looking software for Christmas shopping, including those that feature celebrity or company endorsements, could be malicious, designed to steal or send out your personal data. A recent report from McAfee identified a new family of mobile malware that allows a cybercriminal to get around the digital signature required to validate apps on Android devices.
2) Holiday mobile SMS scams – A widespread piece of malicious code known as FakeInstaller tricks Android users into thinking it is a legitimate installer for an application and then quickly takes advantage of the unrestricted access to smartphones, sending SMS messages to premium rate numbers without the user’s consent. No doubt Android handsets will be popular this Christmas, so consumers should ensure their gift also comes with appropriate security software.
The Tyler Group Global Expat Connections Related Article:
thetylergroup.org/the-tyler-group-barcelona-business-services/