IT Corner: New Malware Alert

In an effort to keep your systems safe, we are passing on information that you may find helpful in combating destructive malware and computer viruses. Recently, you may have received emails such as referenced below. Please be aware that clicking on any attachments or links within these emails may potentially cause damage to your systems or cause a security breach.

New Malware Alerts

1. The Facebook Scam – An email disguised as a message from Facebook prompting you to click a link and change your account information. Delete immediately. Facebook will never send you an email requesting a change in account username and password unless you request a change first. The email will resemble the one below:

Dear Facebook user,

In an effort to make your online experience safer and more enjoyable, Facebook will be implementing a new login system that will affect all Facebook users. These changes will offer new features and increased account security.
Before you are able to use the new login system, you will be required to update your account.
Click here to update your account online now.
If you have any questions, reference our New User Guide.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team

2. IRS, UPS, or Microsoft Support Scam – If you receive an email from IRS, UPS or Microsoft Support, just delete the message. Do not click on the link or open the attachment.

The email can have the following subject lines: “A new setting file for the your e-mail mailbox”, “Notice of Underreported Income”, “Install Update for Microsoft Outlook” or “Install Critical Update for Microsoft Outlook”, or any other mention of IRS, UPS or Microsoft and purports to come from the “Internal Revenue Service”, “United Parcel Service”, “Microsoft Customer Support” or “Microsoft Official Update Center.” The links / attachments are not from the IRS, UPS or Microsoft, but rather malware. These entities never distribute updates or ask information via email.

Now more than ever, it is imperative to abide by the rule of DO NOT OPEN ANY UNKNOWN EMAIL ATTACHMENTS OR CLICK ON ANY SUCH LINKS. As with any suspicious e-mail, it is better to err on the safe side and not open or click on something that you are not certain of. Play it safe, do not click on any link or email attachment that looks suspicious.