Automated Skype Call Spreads Fake Anti-Virus | TechTree.com

Automated Skype Call Spreads Fake Anti-Virus

Voice call directs you to a website to install a supposed anti-virus.

 

IT security and data protection firm Sophos has issued a warning to Skype users about a new type of attack. The method uses an authentic-sounding automated voice call, which states that the recipient's computer is infected by a virus and that he must act according to the instructions provided by the voice message. The objective is to try and fool the intended victim into visiting the site of a supposed anti-virus tool, which is of course fake. The website users are directed to visit asks them to pay to download software to repair their computer. The voice in the automated call says, "Attention: this is an automated computer system alert. Your computer protection service is not active. To activate computer protection, and repair your computer, go to [LINK]".

Senior Technology Consultant at Sophos, Graham Cluley explains, "As more and more people become acquainted with the tricks used by internet scammers, cyber criminals & scammers are pressed to find new social engineering tricks in the hope of duping the unwary. Fake anti-virus or scareware is an increasingly common example of this and takes advantage of those worried enough to visit such dubious sites. Personally, I wouldn't want to trust any product which uses Skype spam techniques to advertise itself, and presents itself in such an underhand manner".

Needless to say, Skype users are advised against falling prey to such calls.
 


TAGS: Security, Internet, Jayesh

 
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