FBI Warns Public That Cyber Criminals Continue To Use Spear-Phishing Attacks To Compromise Computer Networks

The FBI web site offers a warning about cyber criminals' use of spear-phishing attacks.

The FBI has seen an increase in criminals who use spear-phishing attacks to target multiple industry sectors. These attacks allow criminals to access private computer networks. They exploit that access to create fake identities, steal intellectual property, and compromise financial credentials to steal money from victims’ accounts.

In spear-phishing attacks, cyber criminals target victims because of their involvement in an industry or organization they wish to compromise. Often, the e-mails contain accurate information about victims obtained via a previous intrusion or from data posted on social networking sites, blogs, or other websites. This information adds a veneer of legitimacy to the message, increasing the chances the victims will open the e-mail and respond as directed.

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http://www.fbi.gov/sandiego/press-releases/2013/fbi-warns-public-that-cyber-criminals-continue-to-use-spear-phishing-attacks-to-compromise-computer-networks?utm_campaign=email-Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=fbi-in-the-news&utm_content=240054