New Phishing Campaign Targets Apple Users

Internet security company 'Symantec' has asked Apple users to be careful of a new phishing campaign targeting them.

As per the details released by Symantec, hackers used spam messages to conduct their phishing operations. The spam messages enabled users to check the remaining amount of Apple gift cards.

Buyers have an option of getting genuine Apple gift cards to give to family and friends using Apple computers or consumer electronics. Apple Retail Stores accept these cards and could also be used for shopping on Apple's websites.

According to the news reports, when the user clicks on the link given in the spam e-mail, it takes the user to a phishing website that asks for the Apple gift card number as well as Pin number.

If the user reverts back with requisite information, the response displays a message that the balance inquiry is not available.

Symantec states that this response manifests that the numbers entered by the user go into the hands of cyber criminals and they could easily shop with the balance money.

Internet security company "Symantec" highlights that the phishing website domain name was in reality a typosquat of "Apple." Hence, the user entered the phishing website because of typographical error made while feeding in the address of a legitimate website. This phishing website is hosted on a server located in the USA.

Besides, cyber criminals have been trying to make maximum from the success of Apple's iPhone and its tablet - the iPad. Another security company 'Sophos' discovered a phishing spam campaign wherein the iPhone users were targeted by saying that they could extend the warrantee of their iPhone by giving up their information.

In order to overcome this problem and avert falling victim to such a sophisticated phishing campaign, Internet users should follow the best practices. These practices include - avoid clicking on suspicious links in unsolicited e-mails; check the website URL to ensure that it is legitimate. In addition, users are requested to type the name of brand directly into the browser instead of following any link. Periodical update of security software could also help in blocking these kinds of attacks.

Related article: New Zealand Releases Code To Reduce Spam

» SPAMfighter News - 5/17/2010