Cybercriminals Use Hijacked Micro-Blogging Accounts to Spread Spam Messages
Users of social media sites are always on the radar of cybercriminals. They may attempt to deceive users by posing as friends, urging participation in surveys or downloading security software and enticing them to click on links to photos and videos. They also use compromised accounts to disseminate spam messages. Recently, security researchers at Internet security firm Sophos identified use of compromised Twitter accounts to lure users into a fake money- making scheme. In the latest attack, offenders either Tweet direct or crafty messages, claiming that they have made a certain amount of money. They urge users to click on a link to a website to make similar profit or read an article.
Unwary users, who click on the link and visit the website may fall prey to the devious schemes. The link directs users to an article in a business Journal, which promises opportunity for single mothers and teenagers to earn thousands of money. The cleverly crafted article talks about the miracle products offered by online companies, their failure to produce the desired results, quotes a research and attempts to lure users into the money making scheme. According to security researches at the Internet security firm, the website attempts to customize or localize the content by displaying the name of the city, from users access the website. The message still has some flaws as it addresses American citizens.
Social media sites must constantly scrutinize user accounts to detect fraudulent schemes and improve the security of the site. Professionals qualified in IT and computer science degree programs may help in understanding threats and introducing new security features on websites. Ensuring security, confidentiality, integrity and availability of information is crucial to retain the trust of the users of the social media sites.
Internet users must be wary of such schemes as they are more likely to end up losing their money and compromising personal information. They must avoid sharing personal, financial and contact details with strangers on social media sites. Attackers may gain unauthorized access to online accounts by launching phishing attacks. Individuals who find that their social media accounts are compromised must immediately reset and use strong passwords. They may benefit from online degree programs and adopt safe Internet practices. Some social media sites have a separate page, which alerts users on online threats. Users may visit these pages and security blogs to keep themselves acquainted of latest threats.
Greater coordination between Internet security firms and social media sites may facilitate proactive action to thwart security threats. Professionals may leverage online university degree and security certification programs to enhance their capabilities to deal with sophisticated threats.
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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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