The FDIC has received a number of reports by banks, businesses, and consumers of a phishing e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. This new phishing e-mail is very similar to a phishing attempt we saw in October 2006.
Fraudulent E-Mail Claims to Be From the FDIC
E-mails fraudulently claiming to be from the FDIC are attempting to trick recipients into installing unknown software on personal computers. These e-mails falsely indicate that recipients should install software that was developed by the FDIC and other agencies. The software may be a form of spyware or malicious code and may collect personal or confidential information.
Microsoft Releases Patch To Fix Flaw In Internet Explorer
The flaw, which could have serious ramifications for all Internet users who use this browser, allows the owner of a website to create a page that will download and run potentially malicious programs on the user's computer. Since the user would not have to do anything but visit the website and unknowingly view the malicious page, the risk for exposing sensitive information was elevated.
For more information and to update against this specific threat please visit http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-054.mspx
IRS Warns of e-Mail Scam about Tax Refunds
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert about an Internet scam in which consumers receive an e-mail informing them of a tax refund. The e-mail, which claims to be from the IRS, directs the consumer to a link that requests personal information, such as Social Security number and credit card information.
This scheme is an attempt to trick the e-mail recipients into disclosing their personal and financial data. The practice is called "phishing" for information.
For more information visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=98269,00.html
Other useful resources to help protect your computer and yourself online.
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.htmlPlease consult with your preferred computer security vendor or pc manufacturer to make sure you have the most recent patches and updates for such programs as:
To view an interactive presentation about protecting your information click here.