Watch out: Hackers go old-school

If you thought that never clicking on strange links, or making sure that your antivirus software was up to date was enough to safeguard your computer, think again.

Microsoft recently sent out a note warning that cyber-crooks are avoiding the need for slick software skills by talking their way past computer defenses with 135 year old technology: the old-fashioned telephone.

According to the software-titan, hackers posing as members of its support or research teams are calling people to trick them.

In a message posted on its online security center, Microsoft wrote:

Cybercriminals don’t just send fraudulent email messages and set up fake websites. They might also call you on the telephone and claim to be from Microsoft. They might offer to help solve your computer problems or sell you a software license… Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you’re using.

The company also warned that:

Once they have access to your computer, they can… Trick you into installing malicious software that could capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords. They might also then charge you to remove this software. Take control of your computer remotely and adjust settings to leave your computer vulnerable. Request credit card information so they can bill you for phony services. Direct you to fraudulent websites and ask you to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.

“They might also call you on the telephone and claim to be from Microsoft.”

Some of the organisations that hackers have been claiming to be from have been the Windows Helpdesk, Windows’ Service Centre, Microsoft Tech Support, the Windows Technical Department Support Group and the Microsoft Research and Development Team.

Imposters might offer to solve computer problems or sell people software licenses, according to the Redmond, Washington-based technology firm.

People may be duped into downloading and installing malicious software that could steal information or seize control of computers.

Microsoft urged people never to buy anything from unsolicited callers claiming to work for the company and not to turn control of their computers over to strangers. — AFP