Last night, Jesse Jones on KIRO TV put out an alert about
some malware that apparently is being tested in Europe and Japan by criminals
before they introduce it to the US market.
Malware is software that often secretly gathers sensitive
information on your computer or gains access to parts of your computer that
holds private, personal information such as identification, passwords and bank
or credit card account numbers. Malware is often introduced to your computer
through uninvited emails that have attachments or links that promise deals or
more information. Some illegitimate web sites might also introduce malware
through links that they have. On clicking on those attachments or links, the
malware will install itself onto your computer and do what its designers want
it to do. That can range from spying on your daily activities to access your ID
and passwords to sensitive accounts such as your credit card or bank account to
making your computer part of a “botnet” or system of computers that spread spam
at the behest of the criminal or spammer.
According to Jesse, the malware that is being tested will
look for the logon information to your bank account, then save that information.
Then, the criminal will take some money out of that account. He or she will not
take all of your money. After the criminal has taken your money, the malware on
your computer sticks around to cover his/her tracks by showing the original
balance, to make you think that no money has been stolen out of your account.
If we do see this malware, this will increase the
sophistication of cyber theft a few notches.
Jesse’s recommendation is to go back to paper statements and
call the bank for your balances.
While this might be a tempting strategy, it does not take
into account a complete picture of how we can protect ourselves from ID Theft
and unauthorized access to our bank accounts. We are not going to the pre-1990’s
to all paper statements. Computers have become an integral part of our lives. Our
personal strategy to protect ourselves needs to be as timely and flexible as
the criminals who are coming up with new ways to make, or maybe take, money
from us. You can take steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim by:
- Prevent malware from
entering your computer in the first place.
- Have good anti-malware,
anti-virus and anti-spam software on your computer. Keep it running in
the background and run scans regularly.
- Keep your software up to
date. Often there is a selection in settings to allow your anti-malware
software to check for updates on a regular basis. Select that option, so
that you do not have to remember to update it.
- DON’T click on any links
or attachments from emails from people or businesses that you do not
know. And sometimes you may want to be careful about some emails from
people you do know. If in doubt, contact the originator separately via
phone, email (do not reply), or look up their web site via Google or
Bing.
- Monitor your bank and
credit card accounts closely.
- Some experts recommend
checking your accounts online daily. However often you check them, check
them frequently. You have a better chance to detect irregularities in a
timely manner. If you see irregularities, contact your financial
institution right away.
- If you still want a
monthly statement sent to you in the mail, be sure that you have a
locking mailbox. ID thieves continue to troll unlocked mailboxes for bank
statements that have account numbers that they can use in ID theft. Mail theft
still occurs in the 21st century.
- Physically protect your
bank and credit card statements.
- Consider storing your
bank and credit card statements in a locking file cabinet.
- When you park your car at
work, shopping, and at home, take your purse, wallet, cell phone, and
laptop with you. Modern car prowlers are looking for credit cards and
account numbers.
This report is chilling as far as its reported capability. The
key to protecting yourself is to stop the malware from entering your computer
in the first place and keeping close track on your accounts. You can protect
yourself. By keeping your computer and your personal information secure you can
keep your finances safe.
KIRO TV:
