ALERT:
Mobile Scams
Heads-up to mobile device users! There are two mobile scams that have just begun to make themselves known.
CyberCriminals are trying to trick people into clicking on links, often exploiting trust in order to do so. If they are successful in making you believe the message is from a trusted source, chances are that you will click on it. CyberCriminals use email, instant messaging, social networks, and even SMS text messages to try to trick you into becoming a victim.
One way CyberCriminals use to create more victims, is using messages from “trusted” mobile apps to install malware onto PCs. The bad guys will duplicate the look of a mobile app, and make it seem as though that app is trying to get ahold of you through email. This email will contain a link or file that is completely infected with malware, which could then be transferred to your PC. It is important, even when on your mobile device to watch what you are clicking on; both online and in emails.
A second way CyberCriminals try to get victims is the first type of mobile ransomware (like the CryptoLocker) for Android. Although it is not as malicious as the PC version (so far), it scrambles your phone, and asks for about $500 as a ransom for the files. This sort of ransomware is actually manually downloaded through a type of software claiming to be a video player from a website other than the Google Play store. The way to avoid this kind of mobile ransomware is to only purchase apps from the Google Play store, and even then to be aware of what you are downloading. Check the reviews, people will often try to warn each other about slow apps, apps that do not work, or apps that cause problems.
You can’t stop CyberCriminals from targeting your company or employees.
But you can be prepared for their arrival, and have full shields up.
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