Fake Google+ Invite E-mails Lead to Online Pharmacies

Recently, security researchers identified a new campaign, wherein spammers attempt to defraud Internet users by sending fake Google+ invitations.

Albuquerque, NM (prHWY.com) July 5, 2011 - Albuquerque, NM, United States - Recently, Google launched its new social networking site Google+. Analysts expect the new site to give tough competition to Facebook. Ironically, according to Google+ statistics, Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook CEO has the highest number of followers on the site. On the other hand, cybercriminals are attempting to leverage the interest generated by the new social networking site. Security researchers at Sophos have identified a new campaign, wherein spammers are attempting to defraud Internet users by sending fake Google+ invitations. The specially crafted e-mails appear to come from legitimate members of the site. Internet users, who fall prey to the scam and click on the provided link to join Google+ are instead redirected to a Canadian online pharmacy site. Cybercriminals reportedly linked the fake website to a shared post of the new social networking site. The pharma site even offered special discounts on drugs on United States Independence day promotion. Apparently, the spam campaign aims to promote the sales of unlicensed drugs from untrustworthy sites. Internet users must be wary of such pharma scams.

Cybercriminals have a higher incentive in targeting social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter and Weibo as they can target large number of people. The popularity of the sites allows them to devise and lead people into fraudulent schemes. They may also devise schemes to trick users of the social media sites to malware spreading sites. Facebook users are regular target of scammers. Users of the site are targeted through survey, video, and other malicious campaigns. Scammers are proactive in taking advantage of major events and incidents. Earlier in the year, scammers tried to deceive users through fake charity campaigns to raise funds for Tsunami victims. They tried to benefit from the Royal Wedding and Osama bin Laden's death through search engine poisoning and leading users to malicious websites, which seek users to download or purchase counterfeit security software.

Social media sites must conduct regular security evaluation to identify threat vectors and initiate corrective measures. They must educate users on various security threats and schemes used by cybercriminals to extract confidential details. E-flyers and security blogs may help create awareness among Internet users. Internet users may also benefit from online degree programs and e-tutorials and improve their online computing practices. Internet users must be cautious while registering their e-mail address for online subscriptions. They must read the privacy policy of the sites, as some sites share information with third party sites.

Organizations and professionals use Social media sites for business promotion and professional networking. Professionals qualified in masters of security science and computer science degree may help organizations in improving security practices among employees. Employees must be educated on safe download policy, communications with stakeholders and third parties. Cybercriminals also use social engineering techniques to extract privileged information from employees. Employees and professionals may also leverage online video training, iPad training, and online university degree programs to self-pace their cyber security education. They may use the collected information to launch sophisticated attacks on organization's computer systems and networks. The vibrant threats in the Internet environment require proactive approach rather than a slow and reactive approach.

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EC-Council
Website: http://www.eccuni.us
Email: iclass@eccouncil.org
Tel: 505-341-3228

EC-Council University is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and offers Master of Security Science (MSS) degree to students from various backgrounds such as graduates, IT Professionals, and military students amongst several others. The MSS is offered as a 100% online degree program and allows EC-Council University to reach students from not only the United States, but from all around the world.

EC-Council is a member-based organization that certifies individuals in cybersecurity and e-commerce skills. It is the owner and developer of 16 security certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)/License Penetration Tester (LPT). Its certificate programs are offered in over 60 countries around the world.

EC-Council has trained over 80,000 individuals and certified more than 30,000 members, through more than 450 training partners globally. These certifications are recognized worldwide and have received endorsements from various government agencies including the U.S. federal government via the Montgomery GI Bill, Department of Defense via DoD 8570.01-M, National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). EC-Council also operates the global series of Hacker Halted security conferences.

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Tag Words: twitter, weibo, facebook, social media, mark zuckerberg, independence day, online pharmacy, fake website, sophos, spam, pharma scams, google plus

Categories: Internet

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