BitDefender finds scammers posing as online payment services to gain personal information from victims
June 2009
IT in Manufacturing
Stealth malware redirects browsers towards phony websites.
BitDefender researchers have found that scammers posing as online payment services continue to be one of the top 10 most spoofed identities in the world of spam and phishing, according to BitDefender’s latest E-Threats Landscape Report.
The latest phishing campaign targeting e-banking and e-payment customers features several malicious components. First, the unsolicited message that disseminates the malware purports to deliver the ultimate Open Source Antivirus Solution, asking users to visit a Web page where they can download the product.
However, upon clicking the link, the user does not receive the promised security suite, but a fake executable – setup.exe – which is, in effect, a self-extracting archive. Its purpose is to replace the content of C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc and to alter the Web browser’s behavior, by automatically loading maliciously crafted pages for phishing purposes of PayPal, Abbey and Halifax.
Each time the user types the address belonging to one of these financial institutions, he or she is automatically redirected towards the fake pages. Here, the log-in credentials (user name, password, security code) and other sensitive data (first and last name, complete home and e-mail address, credit card number, expiration date, card verification code, and even PIN) are pilfered using PHP scripts. All other menu options available on each page redirect the user towards the appropriate sections of the genuine Web site.
The analysis revealed that the bogus Web pages load from domains registered in China and Korea.
“The current economic turmoil inevitably led to the proliferation of e-crime phenomena,” said Vlad Vâlceanu, head of BitDefender Antispam Research. “The latest trends BitDefender observed reveal several alarming aspects: first, since the beginning of this year, the scams and phishing schemes followed an ascendant curve. Second, the complexity and aggressiveness of raids and attacks have dramatically increased. Lastly, the number of victims followed the same growing pattern. Along with paying close attention to the e-mails they receive, it is important for computer users to have a reliable security solution installed onto their systems in order to prevent future attacks.”
BitDefender’s E-Threats Landscape Report provides an overview of the security threats landscape over the last six months and takes a look at what lies ahead in 2009.
For more information contact Alina Anton, senior PR and marketing coordinator, EMEA and APAC Business Unit, Bitdefender, +40 212 063 470, [email protected], www.bitdefender.com
Further reading:
Optimising the product design process
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
Read more...
Smart milling for resilient, sustainable food production
IT in Manufacturing
As the global demand for food continues to rise due to increasing urbanisation, the milling industry faces the challenge of balancing efficiency with sustainability. Bühler is committed to making milling more energy-efficient while maintaining high operational performance. Its solutions allow mills to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Read more...
The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.
Read more...
SA Food Review
IT in Manufacturing
Food Review is a monthly trade journal for South Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, for industry professionals seeking detailed information on trends, technologies, best practices and innovations.
Read more...
Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo
ifm - South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.
Read more...
AI accelerates energy transformation
RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...
Revolutionising mining operations with MineOptimize
IT in Manufacturing
Now more than ever, mining and mineral processing companies need to boost productivity, ensure safety, and protect the environment. ABB’s comprehensive electrification, automation and digital solutions portfolio is ideally positioned to meet these challenges across all mining processes, from mine to port, transforming performance in a digital world.
Read more...
Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...
TwinCAT Vision functionality extended
Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
Read more...
Automation software to future-proof your operations
Adroit Technologies
IT in Manufacturing
As the official partner of Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation, Adroit Technologies empowers businesses with cutting-edge solutions that reduce costs, improve quality and increase productivity.
Read more...
printer friendly version