Software Company Cautions of Malicious E-Mails Following Server Hack

Ashampoo the developer of security software and multimedia applications cautioned on April 20, 2011 that hackers had attacked it so clients could receive contaminated e-mails facilitating criminals to gain admission into their PCs. ComputerWorld published this in news on April 21, 2011.

Stated Chief Executive Rolf Hilchner of Ashampoo that hackers managed to invade a server of the company, but when the hack was spotted, it disrupted the attack immediately. Cnet News published this in news on April 21, 2011.

The hack, however, didn't affect billing details consisting of bank account and credit card numbers, according to Hilchner. Additionally according to him, the agency of law enforcement in Germany was investigating, however, sadly, the finely-hidden hacking traces of the attackers presently scattered abroad.

Meanwhile, the electronic mails carry contaminated PDF attachments. Obviously when any end-user views it, its included file exploits a security flaw for installing malware. Ashampoo didn't point out which software application had the flaw, while the purpose of the contamination too remains unclear.

Ashampoo, on its website, cautioned clients that they may receive fake Internet order confirmation e-mails from the hackers containing malevolent attachments. For instance, suppose an order confirmation arrives from say PurelyGadgets alternatively some other firm even when no purchase is made from them, then users are advised not to view the attachment but erase the message instantly, the company posted. ComputerWorld published this on April 21, 2011.

Stated Hilchner, hackers frequently dispatched e-mails to IDs collected from hacked databases, with the messages containing malware-laced attachments posing as confirmation orders the company issued. Cnet News published this on April 21, 2011.

Said Executive Director Neil Schwartzman representing the anti-unsolicited commercial e-mail group, the hack at Ashampoo didn't seem to have an association with the recent hijacking at Epsilon an online marketer during when e-mail IDs and names were similarly stolen. ComputerWorld published this on April 21, 2011.

Ashampoo didn't reveal the number of clients who had been affected. However, to remain safe, people are advised for exercising caution while viewing unsolicited e-mails, despite any known company sending them as also to always maintain up-to-date anti-viruses.

Related article: Software Giant Microsoft Becoming More Spam Affectionate

» SPAMfighter News - 4/30/2011