In an article for FOXBusiness, Matt Dean reports that hackers are using fake “Order Confirmation” emails to hijack computers. Claiming to be from popular retailers like Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco, and with company markings that look authentic, these emails are luring computer users to open tainted links. Clicking on one of these links will take the victim to an infected website containing malware that powers a network of infected computers used to launch cyber attacks. Emails and passwords are stolen and the infected machines are used to relay spam messages.
To protect yourself from this kind of devious email scam, there are several measures that you can take. Here are some of them:
· NEVER click on a suspicious, or even questionable, link. It is much safer if you want confirmation on your order to open your browser, go to the company’s URL, and log in properly. Clicking on that suspicious link might save you a few minutes, but it could cost you thousands of dollars!
· Be vigilant about checking your online banking statement and all credit card statements. Be particularly wary of any suspicious transactions in the lower-dollar range. Hackers don’t always make large charges; smaller ones often go unnoticed by the victim. This is especially true during the holiday season.
· Frequently update the antivirus software on your computer. Hackers lie in wait for those who procrastinate even a day or two. Much damage can occur if a fix isn’t applied soon.
Damage control is very much a part of any business operation, and we at CCS are here to help you keep your system up-to-date and safe from unwanted intrusions. If you have questions about the security of your POS system or any system, give us a call at 800/425-672-4806 or email us. We have answers for you!
Marlene