McAfee Announces New Consumer Threat Alerts Program
IT News Online Staff
2010-03-09
McAfee Inc. has introduced its new Consumer Threat Alerts program that warns consumers about the latest and most dangerous online threats with inside intelligence from McAfee Labs. Consumers can sign up to receive the free email alerts at www.mcafee.com/consumer-threats-signup.
Scareware is the first scam outlined in the new Consumer Threat Alerts program. The company said "scareware", or fake anti-virus software, may be the most costly online scam in 2010, causing significant monetary loss and damage to users' computers.
"Even the savviest of computer users fall victim to online threats because cybercriminals have become so sophisticated," said Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. "The Consumer Threat Alerts are a warning sound to keep consumers from falling victim to online dangers. We're on the front lines watching and protecting against threats, and we pass that knowledge onto consumers."
McAfee said scareware is one of the most prevalent, dangerous and sophisticated online scams, victimizing an estimated one million people around the world every day. McAfee Labs reports that cybercriminals make profits upwards of $300 million worldwide from scamming consumers with scareware.
Fake anti-virus software pops onto a users' screen and alerts the user that his or her computer may be vulnerable. To disguise the scam, cybercriminals create legitimate looking logos of fake security companies.
The pop-up prompts the user to scan the computer for vulnerabilities, which he or she does not realize is fake, or even purchase "security software", which is actually malware in disguise. Cybercriminals get unsuspecting victims to input their credit card information, granting criminals' access to the user's computer and bank details. Criminals have targeted every region of the world with fake anti-virus software.
"It's an incredibly lucrative business for cybercriminals," said Francois Paget from McAfee Labs, a security research expert who has studied fake anti-virus companies around the globe. "In fact, one company known as 'Innovative Marketing' made an estimated $180 million through these scams in one year, and more than four million consumers purchased their fake security software thinking it was real."
McAfee reports a 660% rise in scareware over the past two years and a 400% increase in reported incidents in the last 12 months.
"It strikes fear - I saw a pop-up telling me that I had viruses on my computer and all I could think about was everything I had to lose," said Stevie Wilson, a victim of scareware. "It looked just like a legitimate security program, so I handed over my credit card information to make sure I was protected. But, countless dollars and lost time later, I realized that I'd handed my credit card directly to criminals."
McAfee said its Consumer Threat Alerts program helps consumers stay ahead of evolving and sophisticated threats. Subscribers can expect to receive periodic email alerts about how to recognize the latest online dangers and tips on how to stay safe. The threat information is presented in easy to understand language with examples, and includes tips on how to avoid threats as well as information for users who suspect they might have become a victim.
In addition to the email notification, all updates will be posted on the Consumer Threat Alerts blog (www.mcafee.com/consumer-threats-blog) and consumers can also follow McAfee on Twitter (http://twitter.com/McAfee) or visit the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mcafee) for updates, videos and tips.
"We're giving consumers the 'street smarts' they need to live their online lives safely," said Green. "With education and the right technology, we can all play a part in the fight against cybercrime."
|
