{"id":13929,"date":"2011-07-01T16:07:04","date_gmt":"2011-07-01T06:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/power-up.space\/?p=13929"},"modified":"2011-07-01T16:07:04","modified_gmt":"2011-07-01T06:07:04","slug":"avg-aunz-warns-crank-calls-are-not-limited-to-traditional-phones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/?p=13929","title":{"rendered":"AVG (AU\/NZ) Warns Crank Calls are not Limited to Traditional Phones"},"content":{"rendered":"

Skype Users: Beware of New Combined Voice and Text Attacks.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Melbourne, 1 July 2011 \u2014 <\/strong>AVG (AU\/NZ)<\/a> Pty Ltd, the distributor of the award-winning AVG anti-virus and Internet security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, is warning of newly emerging social engineering attacks on users of the popular Skype phone and messaging service.<\/p>\n

Local reports are increasing of Skype users being targeted by so-called \u2018vishing\u2019 (or voice phishing) attacks \u2014 a new variation of e-mail-based spear phishing. This new kind of attack is particularly insidious in that it combines both voice and text to try and dupe users into thinking they are receiving legitimate calls.<\/p>\n

While online, users are receiving automated voice messages via Skype saying their PCs have been checked for viruses, that a \u2018fatal virus\u2019 was found and advising them to repair the problem with a lure which is actually to a malicious web site.<\/p>\n

The aim of the cyber criminals is to get their victims to download malicious software disguised as security updates or rogue anti-virus programs onto their computers. Or to scam users into providing personal information that can be used to break into their financial, social networking and other online accounts.<\/p>\n

Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist<\/a> at AVG (AU\/NZ), advises: \u201cWhile Skype works hard to prevent these kinds of attacks, users need to be vigilant. Although many users have learnt how to spot and resist suspect e-mails and Internet chat messages, we aren\u2019t conditioned to be as wary of phone calls.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith land lines and mobile phone calls, all contact with unwanted callers can be cut simply by hanging up. But because Skype calls are placed over an Internet connection, once the digital connection is established, it can be used as an open conduit regardless of whether you\u2019re participating in an online call or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Borrett\u2019s advice is to hang up immediately on the Skype call, block the user and report the user for abuse. \u201cBy reporting abuse by the user, Skype’s automated systems for blocking malicious users will be updated and you\u2019ll be helping to protect the greater Skype community.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a general rule, don\u2019t accept calls from sources you aren\u2019t familiar with. Certainly don’t follow any instructions from unknown parties, just as you wouldn’t click on or visit unknown URLs, or download attachments that seem suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a preventative measure AVG (AU\/NZ) suggests changing your Skype account settings as follows:<\/p>\n