Hackers are using the public's widespread fear of the h1n1 virus to spread a completely different virus: a computer virus. This virus spreads through spam emails, which directs recipients to a website that supposedly offers vaccinations. When someone clicks on the link in the email, (which looks to be directing them to the US Centers for Disease Control) the site they arrive at automatically uploads software onto the user's computer. From there, the hackers can use the computer for identity theft or to attack other computers. They can also turn the hacked computer into a spam server.
Though this makes me weary of checking my email, I'd have to say that these hackers are pretty smart to use the public's fear against them. It's also hard to stop these hackers, especially when the computers they hack can be used to hack other computers. Just be careful of email that you open; email isn't always from the people you think it is. It's a good thing I got my vaccination already.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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9 comments:
Im suprised I get to say this on an Econ /Gov blog "It's a trap" thats why I dont looks at emails about medicine
I am not very suprised by this post. When humans are in a great deal of fear, they tend to lose common sense. Did anyone consider "How would US Centers for Disease Control get my email." People need to remember their common sense even when they are more focused on other things.
I definitely agree with Rachel. Obviously the "US Center for Disease Control" wouldn't know everyone's email address. Even if they did, they would not go out of their way to send every single person an email about h1n1, especially since it's on the news almost every single day.
I think this post is warning us to be extra careful on what we open because those hackers are just trying to get money out of you. So it is surprising that they use the"US Centers for Disease Control" to trick you.
I agree with Preston, I have to give credit to the hackers for being crafty and using people's fear against them. With the low supply of vaccinations available and high demand, that sort of email would intrigue many people before they stopped to think about if it was a scam or not.
Also, this is a good reminder to everyone to be more careful when online and not to click on anything that looks interesting because it's usually a scam/virus.
This is really scaryyy!!! Its a good thing I don't check my spam emails at all. Using the fear factor to benefit another is pretty smart but too many people are easily swayed or "spun". Just like how Bush declared war and got the support of the majority of Americans immediately after 9/11.
-Emily Niemann
Although I don't want to get plagued by it either, the news seems to be making a big deal out of the H1N1 crisis. The flu is a virus that is able to transform and we should be afraid of it, but this all goes back to the media and subjective views too. If the news media didn't make such a big deal about H1N1, there wouldn't be uneducated people roaming about on the internet trying to use H1N1 as an excuse to commit identity theft.
We can't ignore the fact that there are people dying from swine flu, but we can all reassure ourselves and decrease the chances that we will contract it through proper sanitation, so what's all the hype about?? There have been people at AHS who have gotten swine flu also, but (correct me if I'm wrong too) we haven't heard of anyone who has died because of swine flu.
And as for CDC, or County Health Dept., they can't contact you unless you explicitly subscribe to them. Working for CA Emergency services, we don't have time to go out and target people to let them know to be aware of swine flu. There are bigger things at issue than what the news thinks is the biggest issue. If we were really to try and help the swine flu problem, we would be in the lab running tests and trying to find a cure, not out letting everyone know its important to get vaccinated. That decision to get vaccinated and further prevent the chances of contracting the disease is dependent on the individual who wishes to do so.
It seems throughout history, people try to take advantage of society's weakness/fear. World War II (Hitler) is a good example. I just hope I dont fall for one of these someday.
Oh gosh. I hate viruses and all that computer hacking stuff. These hackers should just stop picking on people who are scared of the flu. I agree though that it is good thinking of them for coming up with such a plan. If only they had a good plan with good intentions though.
hopefully i don't accidentally open up an email like the ones described.
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